Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Icy Strait Point, Alaska.

ICY STRAIT POINT, ALASKA
MANY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES LIKE HIKING, SPORTFISHING, KAYAKING, AND BIRDING

If there is one word that sums up Alaska, it is nature. Miles and miles of it. And Icy Strait Point – one of Alaska’s most
unspoiled destinations – has nature in spades.

To begin with, Icy Straight Point is stunningly beautiful. It is the Alaska of your imagination: eagles soaring overhead,
whales breaching before your eyes. Moody, low-hanging clouds set the scene while velvety green mountains provide
the backdrop. Sparklingly clear waters lap at pebbly shores. These are beaches of the adventure kind, and you won’t find
sun loungers and sombreros here, but they are more like kayaks and canoes, ready for those who want to take their discovery offshore. The village prides itself on being home to “more brown bears than humans,” so expect immersive wilderness experiences, from ATV adventures to zip-lining through a canopy of trees!

Located on Chichagoff Island, 35 miles west of Juneau and right in the center of Glacier Bay, Icy Strait Point began life
as a salmon cannery business, employing the residents of nearby Hoonah. The cannery has served the community in many ways, including providing housing for employees after a fire in 1944 destroyed many residents’ homes. It ceased to function entirely in 1999, and in 2001, the landing was repurposed as America’s only private cruise ship terminal.

The Alaskan-owned and operated terminal funnels all its profits back into the local environment and employs around 85% of residents, many of whom live in Alaska’s most prominent Native Tlingit village.

TRIBAL DANCE THEATER
On the east side of the cruise ship area, Heritage Center is the destination for the Tribal Dance and Cultural Legends live show. Local performers, dressed in traditional regalia, bring to life the Tlingit’s history, culture, and legends through song, dance, and storytelling. It is an impressive and entertaining way to learn about many of the human
qualities that make this part of Alaska unique.

SIGHTS

Historic Salmon Cannery
Whale Watching
Icy Strait Point Gondola
World’s largest Zipline – the ZipRider
Tlingit Village
Canopy Adventure Park

Today’s Excursion – Scenic Mountain Ascent & World’s Largest ZipRider

How does riding the world’s largest ZipRider feel? Well, there is only one way to find out during your visit to the award-winning Icy Strait Point. Higher than the Empire State Building and towering at 1,330 feet (405 m) above sea level, our ZipRider boasts up to 60 mph speeds and a 25% grade. Can you feel the adrenaline rush yet? At 5,495 feet (1,675m) long and 6 cables side by side, this experience is truly a lifetime experience.

Your fun starts with a mesmerizing ascent on the SkyGlider Gondola. You will find the views of Icy Strait, your ship, and maybe even a glimpse of the Glacier Bay National Park, which is breathtaking. A short gondola ride takes you to the top of the mountain and offers a short walk to the launch platform. followed by an outfitting into your safety harness and brief safety instructions before the countdown begins. The gate opens, and you are accelerating, flying over the largest temperate rainforest in the world. The wind whistles in your ears as you reach top speed during your descent – up to 60 miles per hour!

Back at sea level, a series of breaks will safely decelerate your ride at the Drop Zone in the heart of Icy Strait Point.

COMING SOON TO A PIANO NEAR YOU
WITH MUSICAL HUMORIST DALE GONYEA

At the age of five, Dale Gonyea got up very early one morning and, without a single lesson, spontaneously began playing the piano. His parents were astonished because they did not have a piano. They decided he needed therapy or music lessons. Therapy was expensive. They bought a piano, and a career was born.

He is a University of Michigan music graduate who now uses the piano as the springboard for his unique humor. Gonyea is an Emmy winner, a Clio nominee, and Grammy-nominated.

He has written songs for Disney, including Goofy’s Anthem, “You Can Always Be Number One,” and the Genie’s song for The Return of Jafar, the sequel to Aladdin. The Los Angeles Times proclaimed him “heir to the piano-comedy throne.”

Tonight’s dinner was a Greek Family Dinner in La Terrazza. (and evening photos)