Ketchikan

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Ketchikan, Salmon Capitol of the world, who knew.  First, that's my ship in the distance; we tendered (got on the orange boats) to get to shore.  Loved it. I am amazed at how the crew manages all of this.  Once again, we are blessed with perfect weather.

I have a busy agenda, first doing a boat tour of the area, seeing eagles and a lighthouse.  Ketchikan has so much to offer including the Misty Fords National Monument.  It is the 7th most populated city in Alaska.  Our guide informed us that when the paper mill closed, the city almost went under but tourism saved the day.

Yes, we saw eagles, but I saw more in Skagway.

Before my next tour, I checked out the town.  Ketchikan is known for its totem poles and for being the salmon capitol of the world.

Lunch was sampling smoked salmon at every store!  It was frigging delicious. We learned the hand thingy for identifying salmon - thumb - chum, forefinger - sockeye salmon, middle finger - king salmon, fourth finger - silver salmon and pinkie - pink salmon.  I met a couple from Spokane, a city I visited last year and simply loved.  I also met people on my cruise from Wisconsin, Queens NYC, South Africa, Australia, and Santa Cruz.

I visited historic Fleet Street.  It is a gem. 

See this totem pole.  Well, you'll find him in a U.S. passport.  That was the highlight for me.  Ketchikan is full of flowers and blooming trees. 

I also visited Saxman Native Village and was treated to the Tilingits culture and their totem poles.  Wow, it was a remarkable excursion.  The couple in the photo hail from Australia. I would meet up with them later on the cruise and they bought me a glass of Prosecco.  Lovely couple; I gave them tips on exploring SF upon our return to the Bay Area.  We enjoyed a concert together aboard ship on another day at sea.  I barely captured the marvel of Ketchikan.  Truly an enjoyable experience.  Back on board ship, I met someone who bought me drinks (who am I to say no) and enjoyed another round of karaoke, excellent food ( mussels, shrimp cocktails, mashed potatoes, chocolate mousse) and dancing in a bar.  Until the next adventure.