So Santa decided to bring my wife her dream gift this year. True story. We have two black bear tags and two wolf tags for a 6 day guided hunt out of Juneau. It's boat based. Just us and the guide. Should be a super trip.

We will ride the smoker there. But I'm thinking maybe go a day early and be tourists. Our hunt starts April 18. Can anyone give me any inside info on what to do?

Will all the tourist stuff be going by then? Are the cruise ships there then (I avoid cruise ships at all costs). I think we'd be foolish not to get a floatplane ride while there.

What would be ever better is a CFI that would give me a float lesson and let the wife ride in the back. Look cool in my log book anyway. But just a tourist style ride would be okay.

Any advise is appreciate. We are excited to get up there.

Cool trip,I want someday ,to do a Alaska boat based archery black bear hunt.

Looks like 1st buffet barge lands April 30 this year. The downtown shops that the cruise lines don't own will be open. It's kinda dirty there but it's cool to check out. Wear your Xtra Tuff boots and you'll look like a local. Folks will be busy gearing up for the season.

There is no one doing float instruction or any other instruction that I'm aware of. There's a ton of CFI's in Juneau but none of them do any instructing. Lots of good folks over there with airplanes but it's very clannish. If you want a floatplane ride call and ask for Ed at Ward Air. Bypass the dispatcher. They'll hook you up but it won't be in your logbook.

Hangar On the Wharf for lunch/dinner. Goldbelt is pretty decent place to stay downtown, there's an Aspen Suites by the airport that's fairly new, or Travel Lodge and Best Western are always OK. Pearson's Pond if you want cozy and a little more classy.

The tram downtown is cool if it's running, there's a visitors center at Mendenhall Glacier also.

Wish my lifestyle was a bit different. I'd love to buzz over and play tour guide. Unfortunately I'll be neck deep in work by then.

Who are you hunting with and where are you going? Don't worry, no one will claim jump you.

Bud Rosenbruch. I really don't know where we are going. In the direction of Petersburg I think. Glad we will miss the big boats.

Ahh yes, I known him well.

Hope you have a great trip and are successful.

Our own Jamee Wallis aka Air Gypsy is working for Alaska Seaplanes right now. I'm sure she'd be a good tour guide.

Cruse ships won't be in but the Legislature will be in session. Float plane trips are very popular, but you might also want to walk up the hill to the Capital building and take in a little of the local culture.

Sounds like a really fun trip. Post some pictures when you get back so we can all live vicariously through them.