Oktoberfest, Juneau Style!

With a wonderful send-off in Skagway, we boarded our new home, the LeConte, which would take us through the gorgeous Inside Passage on the Alaska Marine Highway. Our journey was filled with bright blue skies, incredible mountainous scenery, and a chance encounter with some rugged and rough-looking electricians on their way to Juneau. 

Popcorn, referred to as "pippity", is a permanent staple in our lives. It comes everywhere with us, and it is obvious where we have been. . just follow the trail of kernels, and you will be sure to find us. 

                                  Enjoying another Clints cigar. . this time under the cozy solarium!

The story goes: It makes perfect sense to us that by playing beautiful music, we will be able to lure a nice audience up to the solarium, who will fall in love with us and adopt us for the night. It was either that or pitching our tent at the ferry terminal. Imagine how thrilled we were when Pete (one of the rugged electricians) received permission from his wife, Kelli, to bring 3 "stragglers" home. Not only did they take us into their family for two nights, on top of having 4 dogs to take care of, they fed us incredible meals, introduced us to friends and family, and acted as tour guides all over Juneau. Kelli took us to the Mendenhall Glacier, the Alaskan Brewery, and opened up her kitchen for exciting popcorn adventures. We learned that Kelli and Pete love popcorn as much as we do.

One of Pete's co-workers, Rod, would gladly haven given us a ride, had his van not been full. . We understood why.

      Eggs Benny with fresh Alaskan Lox

The Mendenhall Glacier!

We recruited Kelli as a new jump-shot companion

                                                            Free beer taste-testing!!

The first annual Oktoberfest! We played a lively concert, accompanied by Jim on guitar. This was an unexpected night of fun, with kegs of beer, delicious food and great company. We hope to return to the second annual Oktoberfest!

Just another one of Kelli's homemade specialties. . mmmm. . .

Kelli twisted our rubber arms and said we couldn't pass up the Alaskan Raspberry beer. Being 2 o'clock in the afternoon, we decided to all share 1 pint between the four of us.

While Naomi and Bethany worked hard updating this blog. . . .

. . . Ilene and Kelli whipped up homemade chocolate (from scratch)!

Our Juneau family (Bourbon is the 4-legged one)

Pete and Kelli with their very well-deserved pins! Pass 'em on. . .