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Published: June 15th 2008
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our ship
docked in Ketchikan Due to sunrise at 4:57am, was awoken to the scenery of snow covered mountains west of us and then pine trees nestled below them as if on tiny islands. Our view was the Tongass National Forest and even though the weather was chilly, overcast and rainy, I couldn't sleep now! We docked into Ketchikan around 6:30am and went up to the Horizon Court for a breakfast of hash-browns, strawberry pancakes, pear, scrambled eggs and ham. What a combo! Out on the deck to take pictures, it was very windy and rainy, with the temperature about 43 degrees F.
We were ready for our 1st excursion on a chartered bus called the First City Deluxe Tour and our guide was Janelle. The 1st stop being the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Upon arrival, the place wasn't ready for us so we had to waste 5 minutes until getting our tickets. We got a guided tour and entered a makeshift, "Tongass Forest" where we learned about the flora, fauna and trees and animals that live here. He also told us the difference between Grizzly bears and Brown bears being grizzlies hunt and run on land to catch animals whereas brown bears are more
coastal; eating fish and salmon. Speaking of salmon, there was a set-up of how it's smoked. He also told us about the Tlingit tribe and that the 1st cruise ships arrived in Ketchikan in 1900.
Next stop was to the Salmon Tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center. Still raining, we walked to the center and outside but a covered area were 2 Bald Eagles who were injured in the wild and now live here. Aurora was 11 lbs and Chalk was 15 lbs and both were beauties! We were then led to the salmon pools and the stream. There are 6 different types of Salmon: Sock-eye, King, Pink (which isn't processed and is smoked), and 3 others which I can't remember, sorry. We were then led into a room with chairs and a table with salmon spread (very good), crackers and drinks. We sat while a man did a presentation with 2 birds of prey: a hawk and an owl. It was the owl's 1st presentation but he did pretty well. Only tried to fly away 4 times. lol We were supposed to get our picture taken with one of the birds, but we didn't. Not sure why, but not even
Salmon drying
at the Alaska Southeast Discovery Center a mention or explanation of why we didn't. The description for this tour said we would, so we left a little disappointed but still was a nice presentation.
Still raining heavily, we walked over to the TOTEM HERITAGE CENTER which housed some original 18th century totem poles that weren't painted and a young man of Tlingit descent explained them to us, along with the expression "low man on the totem pole". We were allowed to take pictures without a flash. Besides the poles there were other things on display; like masks, a beautiful red and black jacket and things made and used by the Tlingit tribes.
Our last stop was the SAXMAN TOTEM VILLAGE in which was now a torrential downpour. We walked around to briefly see the totem poles; especially one with an "embarrassed man with red ears" to which our guide pointed out. He sat way atop a pole. We took quick pictures and browsed the gift shop before heading back to the bus and to the port. There was a great gift/tourist shop called SOCK EYE SAM'S that had great bargains like reversible coats that were advertised for $20, good selection of jewelry and even
Alaska scrapbooking sets! I ended up buying a light pink reversible jacket, Ketchikan die-cuts and stickers ($5.98), Alaska 12 by 12 kit ($14.00) and Beaver Butt soap! Yes, there were soaps with different scents of animals. My total ended up being $38 with my coat being $11! What a bargain! I had a waterproof jacket but it was thin and I needed a new winter coat anyways. hehe Back to the ship around 1pm and we went straight to the dining room for lunch.
We sat with a couple from St. Louis and a couple (California) from the Cruise Critic message boards roll call! It seemed to take a while for our entrees which I got spaghetti and salad. After lunch, Bernie went to a computer class while I caught some line dancing and attended a port talk on Juneau and Skagway. Then time to eat again! How I love cruises! We chatted with our dinner mates while eating escargot, (tasted like mushrooms and was excellent!) french onion soup, Caesar salad, duck in an orange sauce with a potato and dessert was raspberry creme brulee. This was one of my favorite meals on the ship! The show in the
Universe Lounge was pretty decent called "Tribute" and performed songs from the Beatles, Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra and Madonna.
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