klh-or Posted August 20, 2006 #1 Share Posted August 20, 2006 In looking at the forecast on weather.com, the forecast is for rain for every port this coming week. We sail next Sunday, so if the trend continues, I want to be prepared to maximize our trip despite the weather. Whale watching with Captain Larry is rain or shine, right? How would rainy weather impact the drive up the Klondike Hwy from Skagway? Can you still see the scenery or is it usually socked in during rainy weather? I know at Butchart Gardens they have umbrellas at the entrance for guests. Cruising Glacier Bay, will we likely be able to still see what we've cruised there to see? Can't do a darned thing about the weather, but if it is going to be nasty, I want to be prepared to make the best of it. Suggestions?? We do, of course, have raincoats and I think I'll pick up inexpensive ponchos, too, for extra protection...just in case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail811 Posted August 20, 2006 #2 Share Posted August 20, 2006 We had rain in every port on my sailing 2-9 August. It did not stop Capt. Larry and we saw several whales. I also went to Mendenhall Glacier in the rain, just took an umbrella so I could take pictures and protect my camera. I also carried a backpack to keep any purchases dry and keep my hands free for the umbrella.The rain was light and just a nuisance, did not change our plans. You may need to adjust your settings on your camera if there is no sun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Posted August 20, 2006 #3 Share Posted August 20, 2006 NEVER believe an Alaska weather report, even 2 hours before an event. Yesterday the report was for cloudy/showers in Skagway. Two hours later I was taking shots like this - http://www.explorenorth.com/library/rails/images/wpyr-loco73-thompson_river-7629-1000.jpg - at the Summit (where it's usually nicer than in town), and there was lots of blue sky in Skagway itself. Hope for the best and prepare for anything - mostly, prepare yourself to have a great time regardless of what it does. Murray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mvls1 Posted August 20, 2006 #4 Share Posted August 20, 2006 NEVER believe an Alaska weather report, even 2 hours before an event. Yesterday the report was for cloudy/showers in Skagway. Two hours later I was taking shots like this - http://www.explorenorth.com/library/rails/images/wpyr-loco73-thompson_river-7629-1000.jpg - at the Summit (where it's usually nicer than in town), and there was lots of blue sky in Skagway itself. Hope for the best and prepare for anything - mostly, prepare yourself to have a great time regardless of what it does. Murray Loved your picture Murray! While I will hope for the best, we have excursions planned that might be a little more problematic. Do you have any thoughts on these? We are concerned about the effect that rain might have on zip lining in Juneau (late afternoon), the horseback riding (2hrs with Joni) in the yukon at mid day and our Misty Fjords 6hr boat trip starting at 6:30am! We have two 15 year old girls to keep occupied! HELP!:eek: Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Posted August 20, 2006 #5 Share Posted August 20, 2006 While I will hope for the best, we have excursions planned that might be a little more problematic. Do you have any thoughts on these? We are concerned about the effect that rain might have on zip lining in Juneau (late afternoon), the horseback riding (2hrs with Joni) in the yukon at mid day and our Misty Fjords 6hr boat trip starting at 6:30am! We have two 15 year old girls to keep occupied! None of those excursions are affected by rain, Bruce. The zipline supplies you with rain gear, but I don't think Joni or the boat trip do, so come prepared. While rain is common in Misty Fjords (hence the name) and Juneau, the horse ride is well into the rain shadow of the Coastal Mountains, and rain is particularly uncommon (10 inches of precip a year - the coast gets that or more in a month). In Misty Fjords, rain and ragged clouds can actually add to the majesty ot the location - my best photos of Tracy Arm have been taken in the rain. Murray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mvls1 Posted August 20, 2006 #6 Share Posted August 20, 2006 None of those excursions are affected by rain, Bruce. The zipline supplies you with rain gear, but I don't think Joni or the boat trip do, so come prepared. While rain is common in Misty Fjords (hence the name) and Juneau, the horse ride is well into the rain shadow of the Coastal Mountains, and rain is particularly uncommon (10 inches of precip a year - the coast gets that or more in a month). In Misty Fjords, rain and ragged clouds can actually add to the majesty ot the location - my best photos of Tracy Arm have been taken in the rain. Murray That is the 2nd time now that you have been kind enough to answer my questions and help us with our planning. We actually booked our horseback riding with Joni/Yukon sightseeing tour on your recommendation. Your help has been much appreciated! We will be sure to tell them the great report that you gave them. Thanks again Murray.:) Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dizbuster Posted August 20, 2006 #7 Share Posted August 20, 2006 That was a nicely composed picture, I like how you were able to convey the scale of the landscape wth the train. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaPeach100 Posted August 21, 2006 #8 Share Posted August 21, 2006 First of all, don't believe the weather reports. During our recent trip on the Coral 7/31/06, we had a lot of misty rain, but no downpours. In Juneau it was raining hard in town and was beautiful and sunny out at Auke Bay for whale watching and the airport for Glacier Helicopter landing. I strongly suggesting decent ponchos in addition to rain coats. They simply cover more of your legs and keep you dryer. Just layer underneath. Additionally, the tour operators are well aware that Alaska is in a temperate rain forest. They expect rain. If you are on a canoe, kayak, horseback ride or most other outdoor excursion, they will provide rain gear if necessary. Just confirm this with the excursion desk. Some even provide boots (the small boat excursions do). Also, at Glacier Bay it was overcast and a bit misty. The ship is close enough to see the glaciers. What you may miss is the perspective with the mountains behind them. Also, following BQ's advice, I also strongly recommend two pairs of walking shoes (gym shoes). If one pair gets damp, it is nice to have another to rely on. Finally, if they offer you a pair of boots on an excursion, be sure to tuck your pants legs into the boots. On the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari, I forgot to do this and my pants got soaked at the bottom. Great excursion, though!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluebirdchris Posted August 21, 2006 #9 Share Posted August 21, 2006 I love that picture!! Thanks for sharing. I can't believe I will be there in a week!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CM_Mom Posted August 22, 2006 #10 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Also check to be sure your shoes are leather and not mesh and cloth. Not sure how the temperature is there now but in May DD's feet got cold because she wore cloth and mesh tennis shoes instead of leather ones like I had. I also recommend ThorLo socks. They are comfortable and keep your feet dry and warm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eVader Posted August 22, 2006 #11 Share Posted August 22, 2006 the weather forecast for late July sounded very much the same but while we got wet at times, it was a great trip. Remember if it shows rain that can mean 2 mins vs the entire day of rain or downpour. Follow what Murray and others have suggested above and have a great experience! If you do see a water puddle, rekindle the kid in you and jump through it....its still fun. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.