Ain't No Sunshine...

Practically the whole month of February was full of sun, sun, and more sun in Juneau.  It was ridiculously cold and windy, but sunny nevertheless.  Now, there's rain and snow and more rain, which all basically equates to slush EVERYWHERE. 

Despite an uncommonly bright, sunglass-worthy month, Juneau still ranks number one in the United States as the Least Sunny City in America.  Still, this place is one of my favorites in the world.

Gastineau Channel in a Day

Here are three photographs taken from the same vantage point on Friday, January 24, looking down the Gastineau Channel in Juneau. It's remarkable how fast the weather can change here within just a few days. Usually the weather changes for the worse, so this week's moments of sunshine has been a real treat.

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Epic End to an Epic Season

 Yesterday was the last day of the 2013 cruise ship season, and the weather was epic!  I awoke to sunny icy fog, my favorite signal of approaching fall.  There's nothing quite like driving to work in the bright Alaska sun with your view obstructed by low-flying clouds.  Within a few hours, the fog burned off, and the views down the Gastineau Channel were magnificent. 

Thursday was also the last day for the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mellon to be docked in Southeast Alaska.  Mid-morning, the 378 foot long vessel departed Juneau and navigated and shared the waters with the season's last two cruise ships.  It was a great tourism season - and I'm already looking forward to next year!

Sunrise over the mountains. 

Thick fog on the way to work. 

Panorama of the Gastineau Channel.  That's a bird, not a floatplane.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mellon with two cruise ships in the background. 

Later that day, during high tide.

The last cruise ship of the season as it departed Juneau.