2000 Alaska Trip, Upbound on the Alaskan Ferry Columbia

mendenhal glacier



The first part of our vacation started in Bellingham, Washington, where we boarded the Alaska State Ferry Columbia. She is a beautiful ship, specially constructed for the important job of connecting all of the many small ports along the Alaska coastline.

The "upbound" trip was incredibly scenic. It was our first experience with the Inside Passage, and we were in awe.

The ship has many areas. There are sitting areas where you can enjoy the amazing scenery, as it passes by. This ship takes several days to reach the end of the voyage. During that time, some passengers sleep in special airline-style seats. (We booked far ahead and had our own multi-bed cabin.) The backpackers pitch their tents on the stern area of the ship. Below are parking areas for vehicles from ordinary cars to 18-wheelers. This ship has three dining areas, including a snack bar. The main dining room is very nice with table service.

These pictures were taken originally with a film camera and scanned.

NOTE that these photographs are Copyright©2000-2020 Robert and Sandra Swanson. I greatly appreciate people viewing the photos, but not stealing them. If someone is interested from a commercial point of view, please contact me.

CLICK ON THE THUMBNAIL IMAGES TO VIEW A LARGER IMAGE

Loading the Columbia in Bellingham -- Alaska Vacation 2000


[Loading the Columbia in Bellingham
]


[An Alaskan State Ferry Boat
]

An Alaskan State Ferry Boat -- Alaska Vacation 2000

Closeup of Columbia's Side [our cabin window is on the left] -- Alaska Vacation 2000


[Closeup of Columbia's Side [our cabin window is on the left]
]


[Our Wake
]

Our Wake -- Alaska Vacation 2000

Spectacular Mountain Views from the Ship -- Alaska Vacation 2000


[Spectacular Mountain Views from the Ship
]


[The Columbia at Ketchikan, Alaska [our first port of call]
]

The Columbia at Ketchikan, Alaska [our first port of call] -- Alaska Vacation 2000

Bob, Relaxing in the Observation Area -- Alaska Vacation 2000


[Bob, Relaxing in the Observation Area
]


[Bob, Taking in the View
]

Bob, Taking in the View -- Alaska Vacation 2000

Sandi at Ketchikan [those are lilacs blooming behind her] -- Alaska Vacation 2000


[Sandi at Ketchikan [those are lilacs blooming behind her]
]


[Crewmembers Take a Break
]

Crewmembers Take a Break -- Alaska Vacation 2000

Onboard the Columbia, Watching the Scenery -- Alaska Vacation 2000


[Onboard the Columbia, Watching the Scenery
]


[Nearing the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau [called the

Nearing the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau [called the "drive up" glacier because the roads provide access, and you can walk right up to it] -- Alaska Vacation 2000

Glacier with its Moraine Lake -- Alaska Vacation 2000


[Glacier with its Moraine Lake
]


[Glacier Melt Pouring Out Along the Side of the Mendenhall
]

Glacier Melt Pouring Out Along the Side of the Mendenhall -- Alaska Vacation 2000

Interior of Church Near Mendenhall Glacier [beautiful setting close to the University of Alaska campus] -- Alaska Vacation 2000


[Interior of Church Near Mendenhall Glacier [beautiful setting close to the University of Alaska campus]
]


[Map of Alaska Panhandle (Including Inside Passage, from book dated 1898)
]

Map of Alaska Panhandle (Including Inside Passage, from book dated 1898) -- Alaska Vacation 2000

Map of Alaska Panhandle (Southern Section of Inside Passage, from book dated 1898) -- Alaska Vacation 2000


[Map of Alaska Panhandle (Southern Section of Inside Passage, from book dated 1898)
]

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Updated 08 May 2020