Prince Rupert, British Colombia, Canada, also known as the City of Rainbows and heavy fog, was our port of call today. It is one of the deepest and natural ice-free harbors in the world. Their population is 12,000 people that work in the fishing, marine, timber, coal, and pulp industries to name a few. The Tsimshian tribes lived here for over 10,000 years before the Europeans arrived in the 18th century and began a fur trade with the natives. The building of the railroad brought scores of people to work here. Today several smaller cruise lines make stops here during the high season.
It was a first visit for us and a truly memorable one for many reasons. An extensive crew drill took place for over an hour, so we left the ship around 11am when it was almost finished. On the wharf, there were a few souvenir tables set up with Canadian treasures to buy. We knew that maps could be found at the Info Center, so we headed there first. And that was the beginning of a not-so-memorable experience. More about that later.....
There were some excursions here today. A fjord flightseeing trip was 1.5 hours for $450 or a foodie tour for 4.75 hours for $280. Rainforest tours were up to $200, while zodiac and kayaking were $200 to $230. The trolley tour for 1.5 hours was $75 with options of a picnic for $130 or lunch for $180. Highlights and museum tours were $70 to $90. A cannery tour was 3 hours for $125. Something for everyone.
Remember when we mentioned "stuff" happens all of the time when you least expect it? Well, instead of watching where I was walking, I tripped over a corner of a kiosk, sending me down like a sack of potatoes. It happened in a nano-second, and I knew I could not get up on my own. The concrete floors were slippery and the replaced knee doesn't bend so good anymore. All I thought was I have fallen and I can't get up, like the TV ad we hate. Before I knew it, several local info fellows including Bill were there to help me. OMG....it took four to get me upright. One of the guys asked if I needed some water, which I immediately thought I could use a beer. Although I did not say it, I knew then that I wasn't injured that bad. Nothing broken. Just going to be sore for a few days. And embarrassed as all get out. I thanked everyone for their help and concern and we went on our way, limping a little more but still able to walk. Secretly I vowed to be much more careful from here on out.
From here we followed the map to the Sunken Gardens going uphill and across the street. The gardens were created from something else that used to be here. These days, it is a peaceful public botanic garden filled with flowers and shrubs tiered off of a hillside. Benches are here and there as well. Making our way from the damp and dark tunnel, we were up at the top level with the town.
The Court House is here and was built in1923 and appropriately looking quite British in architecture. The decorated doors to enter appeared locked, but a couple from the ship came out of them saying there was nothing going on today. Then they surprised us by asking how I was doing. Yes, they saw me fall and may have helped getting me up. The nice man said if I needed a cane, I should use one and forget being too proud to use it. He's right, but I don't need it yet. Then his wife said she tumbled on the rocks in Wrangell trying to look at the petroglyph carvings out of town. Lucky she was not injured.
From there, we spotted some totems and located the Longhouse and carving shed. It is used as a cultural spot for the artists, but also a hideout for weekend beer drinking teens we suspect. How could we tell? The discarded beer cans and snack food packages. A local lady showed us where to find some petroglyphs in the same area.
From here we could see the heart of downtown with a nice Safeway supermarket. There were some hotels, city hall, eateries, bakeries, fast food, and coffee shops to mention a few. There was even a mall. Feeling some hip pain, one of us did not want to venture much further. Still had that beer on my mind, we strolled through the Pacific Mariner's Memorial Park with views of the harbor. There was a small Japanese boat that was recovered without the captain that left from Japan heading across the Pacific Ocean. He was never found. Up further was a statue to the Lost Fishermen and the sight where the lighthouse used to be. A museum was there as well.
Back-tracking, we went to Cow Bay and the restaurant area of the city. Passing the shops at Atlin Terminal, we passed by a B&B and a coffee shop. We would have time to check out some of these stores on the way back. We ended up at the Breakers Pub, the former home of the local fishermen's co-op. These days, it is a full-service eatery with a bar and even a dance floor. Seated at a table for two, we ordered two Stanley Park Brewing lagers, a favorite of the locals according to our well-tattooed waitress. This practice seems to be the thing to do in Canada and other parts of the globe. Feeling like something different, we ordered the beef-topped nachos on a cedar plank. Good thing we were sharing because this plank was nearly the size of our table. Unknown to us, some other diners from the ship noticed the size of the nachos, and took a photo of it before we dug in. Now that's funny. We did add a dessert of apple turnovers with a scoop of really good vanilla ice cream. A dollop of whipped cream dusted with cinnamon sugar went quite well with the treat.
On the way back, we did stop at a lookout over the marina for photos as well as a quick trip through a few shops. A place called Home Work was selling the usual souvenirs but also a line of "naughty" signs, cards, and cooking supplies. There was nothing we needed, so we continued back to the terminal.
The rest of the afternoon was spent with the ice packs, which helped with the pain. Lucky for me, it never got any worse. Sail away was about 5:45pm, and the Captain never spoke before we left. This will be his last sailing from Alaska and will depart the ship in San Diego where we will get a new Captain. The scenery leaving the harbor was sure special with watching the train in motion and passing the commercial end of town.
Dinner was lighter than usual with large shrimp cocktails, Caesar salads, and tenderloin steak, one with a crabcake. No dessert. By the way, it was the final dressy (more or less) evening with a Black and Gold Ball in the World Stage. Missing again was the music from the upper dining room pit. We wonder why?
Really looking forward to a day at sea tomorrow.
Bill & Mary Ann
