Last night we had a rough sailing when the Captain took the ship out to more open waters. Warning us earlier about it, he was correct about the approximate time….around 12:30am. We woke up suddenly when things tumbled off of our desk like water glasses and even the Kindle. The motion continued for a couple of hours until they took the ship into calmer waters between islands. Some of our cruise friends like the rolling of the ship, however, for us it brings back memories of the 2002 Asia/Pacific Explorer Cruise on the Volendam when we hit 55 foot seas off of the Aleutians. Hope to never experience that again.
We arrived to Ketchikan even earlier than the expected 10am. Two other ships were already docked….the Majestic and Sapphire Princess. The Volendam looked like a baby parked between the larger ships. Sure was different seeing hundreds of people out and about onshore, since when we were here last week, we were the only ship here. We were cleared shortly after 10am, and the all aboard time was switched to 6pm, not 7pm. A crew drill began at 10:15am, so we headed off of the ship shortly after it began. Today is the last chance for Alaskan souvenirs for most of the guests, so we expect crowds everywhere.
The weather appeared far better than what we expected. It was overcast and cloudy with temperatures in the low 50's. Afternoon showers were predicted, but we crossed our fingers it would stay away. Ketchikan is located in the middle of the Tongass National Forest, a 17 million acre park and the largest in the United States. It has been home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes and their heritage has lived on through their art, totem carvings, and woven items. Some of the finest are right here in Ketchikan.
We left the ship at 10:30am, taking note that looking out our window, people were walking right outside directly across from our room. We took our usual walk that took us across the Stedman Street Bridge and up the street towards the Thomas Basin Boat Harbor. Crossing the street, we made our way to Creek Street and the row of bawdy houses from the early 1900's. Of course, these days, the old houses are home to souvenir shops. One exception is Dolly's House, which has turned into a museum with the red light district history. We almost felt like the salmon going upstream with all of the cruise people walking down the stairs. There was barely room to wiggle past the groups watching the salmon in the creek.
The tide was out this morning, so the creek was much lower, exposing the stream of salmon even better. Once we reached the top of Creek Street, we crossed the road and followed the river up to the bridge. If anyone tells you that the salmon are on the decline, we would say they are crazy. And speaking of salmon, here are the five varieties seen in Alaska. They are King or chinook, red or sockeye, coho or silver, chum or dog and pink or humpy. Deep sea species caught here are halibut, rockfish, and ling cod. Freshwater fish are Dolly Varden, cutthroat, rainbow and steelhead trout.
The run of salmon are still the pink humpies. There were more this week than last week. Taking many photos of the salmon on the side banks, we continued up to the Deer Mountain Hatchery. We noticed that there were some workers at the large holding tanks behind the fence. They were sorting and counting small fry. The signage on the wall gave important info about the salmon hatchery, which we were told was not in business anymore. So the info stated that this hatchery releases 100,000 King salmon yearly and 400,000 coho silvers. Rainbow trout are released with 60,000 fry, and for a kid's fishing derby, 1500 trout are released in a lake.
The City Park is where the hatchery is located, and we always like to take a stroll around the streams and creeks here. The ponds were created to hold salmon for special occasions here in the 1900's. What a surprise we had when a small deer appeared hidden in the trees. It was a year-old Sitka buck, tame as can be, and eating leaves from the trees. Several other park-goers began taking pictures, getting closer and closer. The deer was looking for a way out, and eventually back-tracked the way he came. It was the first time we have ever seen a local deer here, and it really brought back recent memories of deer we have at our place. There were at least five deer that visited us every day during the summer while the apple trees were thinning themselves.
Time to head back, we walked back across the bridge, where dozens of folks were filming the salmon. It appeared there were walking tour groups coming this way. We thought we best head for the restaurant before it filled up completely. The next stop was the Alaska King Crab Company, located up on the third floor of the shops. So far the rain had held off and we were glad. We shared a burger and fries and enjoyed two Alaskan Amber beers. A slice of carrot cake was delicious. The last stop was at Tongass Trading Company where we stocked up on some buttered popcorn. Then got back to the ship by 3pm. What we did not expect was how high the tide had changed the gangway. We had to pull ourselves up. Of course, they closed it off after we boarded and changed the gangway to the A deck. Eventually, the rain did appear, but it was light and short-lived.
The ship left by 6:15pm, after the Princess ships pulled out. The town looked like it was deserted by then. Dinnertime came along quickly, and we headed for the dining room. Tonight most of the guests came to the dining room the way they dressed for today's excursions. T-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, and some baseball caps. We have to remember this is not a grand voyage. Anyway, we ordered spring rolls, tomato soup, and mains of tender beef brisket with mashed potatoes and veggies. All was very tasty.
Tonight was dubbed "Orange Night" and a few people added something orange to their clothing. The Dutch party did not start until 9pm in the Ocean Bar, but we finished dinner far before that time. With the clocks going ahead one hour, it was time to turn in as it was a long day.
It may get rough later this evening, so we will stow anything breakable somewhere safe.
Bill & Mary Ann
