Thanks so much.
I debated packing a winter coat and left it home. Glad I did. I packed a black llbean thin lined waterproof jacket; a white zipped hooded sweatshirt; a black fleece pullover and a gray fleece zipped cardigan type jacket. I really didn't need that black fleece pullover this trip but wanted options just in case. I usually alternated between the white sweatshirt and the gray fleece cardigan most of the time with or without the waterproof jacket and wore a short sleeved shirt underneath.
In fact it was in the mid 80's in every port with clear blue skies and perfect views as far as the eye could see for both land and sea days. We were so blessed.
So I was walking around in a short sleeved shirt!
For the dogsledding (we booked it for Skagway): the rule of thumb is plan on 20 degrees cooler than the temp on the ground. The high was in the 80's that day but by the time of our excursion at 2:30pm the temps had dropped to mid 70's. check out the short sleeves! (including my son walking in front of me)
As we approached the glacier, the temp reading in the chopper was 48 degrees but it felt much warmer on the ground in the sun. (mid/high 50's) a bit cooler of course when you're sledding. The instructors were not wearing much.
You will be given glacier boots with velcro straps which fit over your shoes and an orange safety vest with pockets to wear before boarding the helicopter. You cannot bring a bag but you can fit your camera in the pockets.
Here - you can see our safety vests.
I'm wearing the llbean waterproof jacket and the gray fleece zipped cardigan with a t-shirt and jeans. My son has only 2 layers on since his jacket was lined.
My husband wore a waterproof rain jacket shell from The North Face (on sale at REI), plus a very thin black nylon hooded pullover and a t-shirt.
another of shot of my son and DH
When we arrived at the camp, we were offered gloves, hats and sunglasses to borrow if needed.
OMG spectacular views from the helicopter. I LOVED this cruise! So jealous for those getting ready to go.
We cruised June 17-24, 2013 and the only place I really remember them being a slight nuisance was in Skagway. I had read about them ahead of time and knew to expect them but gosh they were HUGE! We did the White Rail Pass and they were inside the train cars and our entire car was using a magazine to swat them to kill them. They were also on our verandah while in port. I believe June is the biggest opportunity for them, then it starts declining so hopefully you'll be okay but I would prepare (based on what you mentioned) just in case. As I remember they were in the other ports too, but nothing like Skagway.
Gold CC gift was a gold sling backpack and umbrella.
Thanks for the heads up! I will definitely get prepared for Skagway!!
Now I am worried! Thanks for the heads up about Juneau.
So, a few things about mosquitos---they will be out all summer long as well as through the fall. Part of the issue of whether you will have to deal with them depends on where you are (city center vs. out on a trail or where it is grassy and woody). Another thing that makes a difference is weather. So if it is nice weather (yay for nice weather) a downside is that the mosquitos are also very fond of it while the rain keeps them away and less prevalent. Also, the time of day can make a difference as well---although of course you can encounter them at any time, they are particularly active in the early evening (think 4-7 ish). So a sunny day in the woods at 5 pm is a combination that should be avoided if you can.
We downloaded Muarray's Guide, which I highly recommend. It gives you a mile by mile (and km by km) list of things to see. We visited Carcross, Caribou Crossing, Emerald Lake and stopped at the Alaska/Yukon signs and anywhere we wanted to stop and photograph. We stopped at the Yukon Suspension Bridge on our way back for lunch (we didn't do the bridge). Their buffalo chili, burgers and sliders were delicious and very reasonably priced.
