Gold Panning Adventure & Alaska Salmon Bake

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

The year was 1880 and two down-on-their-luck prospectors, Joe Juneau and Richard Harris, stood on the brink of history.

After trading their grubstake for "hoochinoo" (home brew), an entrepreneur and mining engineer from Sitka, George Pilz, sent them out again with a Native American guide, Chief Kowee, who knew there was gold to be found and just where to find it. He led them to Silver Bow Basin above Gold Creek where they found "large pieces of quartz, of black sulfite and galena all spangled over with gold" in a creek that, of course, is now called Gold Creek. One version of the tale has Juneau and Harris making their strike, loading their canoe with one thousand pounds of gold ore and attempting to high-tail-it to Canada. It appears that they were foiled by another of Pilz's prospectors and brought back to Sitka at gunpoint. The word was out and thus began Alaska's first big gold rush, 16 years before the Klondike. It set the stage for a colorful period in Alaskan history and for your very own opportunity to catch gold fever on this three-hour tour.

Your costumed prospector guide will greet you at your ship for the scenic and entertaining 20-minute ride tracing the route taken by Joe Juneau and Richard Harris in their search for gold over 130 years ago. Once you arrive, see a lively panning demonstration and hear narration about the historic days when Alaska captured the nation's imagination. You'll feel the thrill of discovery as, with expert instruction, you rock your pan from side to side gradually increasing the tilt of the pan spilling water and most of the coarser gravel back into the creek. Just the right wave action will winnow black sand and your guaranteed gold to the bottom of your pan. And not only will you get to keep what you find, but you'll also get a Gold Claim Certificate as a fun memento. The gold panning location is a serene setting where gold is plentiful.

Gold-panning is hungry work, so you're sure to have an appetite for what's up next on your Juneau adventure. Grilling to perfection for nearly 40 years, the folks at the Alaska Salmon Bake have created the ideal setting for an all-you-can-eat outdoor Alaska-style feast!

Another 20-minute transfer will deliver you to the site of your dining venue. The setting is beautiful: a lush rain forest creek, tables under translucent, heated domes, wild salmon grilling slowly over an alder wood fire. And the spread is sumptuous: grilled salmon, barbecue ribs, baked beans with reindeer sausage, wild-rice pilaf, potatoes and a robust selection of other sides, salads and beverages. Beer, wine and soda are available for purchase, and just when you think you've had enough there's blueberry cake for dessert!

After dinner, roast marshmallows over a campfire, stroll to lovely Salmon Creek waterfall, and view the Wagner Mine ruins before souvenir-hunting at the trading post. Meet Tlingit master carver, Doug Chilton, as he and his son sculpt two 10-foot, red cedar totems and authentic silver jewelry. Buses depart regularly so you can set your own time to return to your ship with a mother lode of memories.

Special Notes:

**Due to a temporary road closure for repairs, the gold panning portion will move from Gold Creek to the site of the old Wagner Mine for the beginnng of the season. Tour order may vary.

Provided: Rain poncho, guaranteed gold

Meal: Wild Alaska salmon, barbecue ribs, au gratin potatoes, baked beans with reindeer sausage, rice pilaf, salads, corn bread, blueberry cake, hot apple cider, coffee, tea and lemonade. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase. Menu items are subject to change.

Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children 13 to 17 must have a signed parental consent form to participate without a parent or guardian.