Ketchikan is the southernmost city in Alaska and is considered Alaska's first city. It is located on Revillagigedo Island, populated with 8000 people. The Tongass Narrows waterway is busy with cruise ships, float planes, fishing boats, and ferries. Massive glaciers from the past carved out the present landscape of saltwater fjords and 3000-foot cliffs. The largest collection of totem poles in the world is here.
The Zaandam was the last cruise ship to arrive today at 11am. The Oceana Riviera was docked at Ward Cove, 7 miles away from downtown, while Cunard's Queen Elizabeth, the Discovery Princess and Island Princess were docked in town. The navigation team did a fine job of parallel parking between the larger Princess ships. We had the best spot in town, directly across from the nice info center.
Once again, the weather was going to be nice with temps in the mid 50's, winds at 3.9 mph, 84% humidity and overcast skies with some sun peeking through at times. It was cool, but nothing like the chill in Glacier Bay yesterday. The best news was that there was no rain in the forecast. Ketchikan is one of the wettest cities in America.
By the time the gangway was in position, an ambulance pulled alongside with their sirens going. There was to be a medical disembark with the help of two firemen who pulled up behind the ambulance. Scores of guests were pouring off the gangway, vying to be first in line for the waiting tour buses. Eventually, an elderly lady was wheeled down and was whisked away to the hospital.
We left the ship by 11:30am and headed in a different direction to access the rapids above Creek Street. There were so many people in that district last week, and we did not want to repeat that experience. We went directly to the fish ladder and platform to watch the salmon fighting their way upstream. What a site.....one we never tire of witnessing. We continued up Park Avenue where the creek follows the road. There must have been 100 million salmon in the waters, many of which had already died. We have heard that they do not have to go far upstream to spawn. The fight to get up here exhausts them so much, that many do not make it. The banks of the river are loaded with the carcasses of those who gave up or already spawned. We have been told by locals that bears will come down from the mountains to feed on these fish. People know this and do not go out walking once it gets dark.
Crossing the bridge on Park Avenue, we witnessed bank-to-bank fish. There were more fish than creek water. Turning right on Salmon Row, there is a hatchery there that is now an aquaculture facility. They did not seem to be open to the public. There is a City Park there with holding ponds that were used for keeping fresh salmon for special gatherings in the distant past. Benches line the walkways and we always find it a good place to relax and take in the scenery and tourist activity. A visit to the nearby Totem Heritage Center is another possibility here.
On the way back, we ran into a couple of nice ladies who were traveling on the Island Princess. Actually they stopped us and asked directions, specifically if there were restrooms here. We chatted for a while sharing where we were from. One of them was from Tennessee and her friend was a New Yorker. Always nice to visit with other cruise guests and share stories. Bidding them farewell, we headed back to town and the restaurant for lunch.
This time we ordered one salad and a chicken tender meal with French fries. Alaskan Amber drafts were our choice of beer, and one slice of a decadent dark chocolate cake was a shared dessert. We watched as two ladies at a nearby table devoured their one leg of King crab with gusto. Cannot imagine paying $190 for that meal, but when in Rome.......etc. This might be our final chance for lunch here, since they told us they will be closing for the season September 30th.
The gangway had been moved to deck one, due to the tidal fluctuation. We were back onboard by 3:30pm where we worked online until dinnertime. The new computer is giving one of us a bear of a time as it is tending to lose things or put them somewhere hidden.
Cunard left at 5pm, then the two Princess ships pulled out. We were last to depart. The clocks will go forward one hour this evening.
Dinner was dressy, although few folks took the time to comply, including us. A sweater and a sport coat worked just fine. It has been on the chilly side in the upper dining room, so most guests wear something comfortable. We had nice music with the Vivace strings for almost an hour. Starters were one Caesar salad and a shrimp cocktail with avocado diced so small it was almost invisible. Tasted good though. Mains were the Parmesan-crusted sea bass and one oxtail and pasta plate. They still offered us Jello and we were glad to have it. Once again there was a seafood boil in the Lido for $35 and a chocolate surprise at 9:30pm on deck five.
The World Stage Cast performed a musical journey with show-stopping numbers. Songs from the Jersey Boys, West Side Story, Chicago, and Hairspray were part of the entertainment. Tomorrow will be a day at sea traveling through the Inside Passage.
Bill & Mary Ann
