Ketchikan
With an average annual rainfall of more than 150 inches, a dry, sunny day in Ketchikan is a rarity. However, by the time the Sea Bird was tied up alongside the dock this morning, we were all wearing sunglasses and smiles, basking in our good fortune. Along with a multitude of passengers from the three immense cruise ships that were also in port today, we disembarked and headed for town. Our tour included a stop at the local salmon hatchery, the Native heritage center and a visit to the totems at the Tlingit village of Saxman. We were able to watch Native wood carvers working their centuries-old craft, and hear some of the stories that the large totems tell.
A late morning stop at the historic Creek Street shops gave us a chance to browse the works of local artists, and find a few mementos to take home. At the Soho Coho gallery, longtime Ketchikan resident and artist Ray Troll hosted an informal gathering for Sea Bird guests. Signing books and sharing locally roasted coffee, Ray extemporized on the evolutionary history of Oncorhynchus gorbuscha-- the flood of pink salmon that were swimming up the creek.
By mid-afternoon, we’d cast lines and were headed south. Underway through the calm waters of Dixon Entrance, we enjoyed another miraculous sunset, a wonderful meal and good company.
With an average annual rainfall of more than 150 inches, a dry, sunny day in Ketchikan is a rarity. However, by the time the Sea Bird was tied up alongside the dock this morning, we were all wearing sunglasses and smiles, basking in our good fortune. Along with a multitude of passengers from the three immense cruise ships that were also in port today, we disembarked and headed for town. Our tour included a stop at the local salmon hatchery, the Native heritage center and a visit to the totems at the Tlingit village of Saxman. We were able to watch Native wood carvers working their centuries-old craft, and hear some of the stories that the large totems tell.
A late morning stop at the historic Creek Street shops gave us a chance to browse the works of local artists, and find a few mementos to take home. At the Soho Coho gallery, longtime Ketchikan resident and artist Ray Troll hosted an informal gathering for Sea Bird guests. Signing books and sharing locally roasted coffee, Ray extemporized on the evolutionary history of Oncorhynchus gorbuscha-- the flood of pink salmon that were swimming up the creek.
By mid-afternoon, we’d cast lines and were headed south. Underway through the calm waters of Dixon Entrance, we enjoyed another miraculous sunset, a wonderful meal and good company.
