150JUNEAU
This is the state CapitaI and the Iargest city of the South East, ~ith
21,000 people. The city lies along the west bank of Gastineau Channei beneath
the steep flanks of Mount Juneau and it extends northwesterly to Mendenhall
Valley and Auke Bay. The town of Douglas is across the channel. The main port
area is a cruise ship anchorage, while facilities far yachts are beyond the
bridge which joins the communities of Douglas and Juneau. The bridge has a
clearance of 51 feet.
Some transient moorage is available at the City Floats near the ferry
terminaI, but the main transient moorages are at Harris and Aurora Harbors
immediately beyond the bridge. The harbormaster's office is on the southeast
corner of Aurora Basin. He assigns and controls alI transient moorage. Report
to him on arrivaI, either by ca11ing on VHF Channe1 16 or checking into his
office. If alI transient slips are filled. one may have to take a vacant slip
until directed elsewhere. One can genera11y be accommodated in a temporari1y
vacant slip but one may have to move around if one is staying for an extended
period of time. Aurora is the newer basin, with good berths but a lack of
sanitary facilities (having only two portable johns for its severa l hundred
slips).
It is about 1/2 mile from Aurora to downtown Juneau; half that from Harris.
Showers and a laundromat are at the Breakwater Motel immediately behind Aurora.
Unfortunately, one must cross Egao Drive Freeway each time. The walk downtown
along the street one block inland from the freeway takes one past a super-
market, stores, restaurants, the post offiee, the Alaska State Museum, and
Centennial Hall. Both of the latter places are well worth a visit to-learn
about this part of Alaska.
Juneau is a tourist oriented city. There seems to be a cruise ship or two
docked almost alI the time. Many tourist shops are in the downtown area.
Perhaps with this regular tourist parade and the winter's legislative period
(marked by an influx of elected officials, staffs, and lobbyists) this city
loses its friendliness when compared with other communities of the South East.A visit to Mendenhall Glacier can be accomplished by city bus or rented
caro Hiking trails are found at the Center. The new community areas of
Mendenhal1 Valley are served by a large shopping center where one may shop if
one's needs are not being met in Juneau. The airport is also located here.Auke Bay faces Favorite and Saginaw Channels and has its own harbar basin
and marine facilities. Transient boats are limited to a 72-hour stop-aver
unless one is anchoring. Auke Bay may be reached by the long trip down
Gastineau Channel and around Douglas Island or via Mendenhall Channel. The
latter route should only be attempted at high tide, and with 10eal information.
Though the channel is marked, at low water the markers can be seen resting on
bars, thus current knowledge of the channel is essential befare one uses this
route.