Blogs from Ketchikan, Alaska, United States, North America

All got a little active during the night. Woke up at 1.30 am and found the ship doing its own little version of the Samba. Probably wasn't particularly rough but after the smooth sailing we've enjoyed so far, doing what old men do several times a night became just that little more challenging and requiring just a little more attention to detail! But with resolute attention to detail managed to avoid embarrassment. Was a little bit concerned as it is not a well kept secret that I am not the worlds best sailor, but as it turned out went straight back to sleep. Another disaster averted. Awoke at 7am and Sandy's first words were 'man the ship was getting thrown around last night'. The fact that it woke Sandy is a testament to the fact that ... read more

Ketchikan Another sleepy village nestled between mountain and sea with amazing scenery, somehow I just can’t get enough of the views. Ketchikan is Tlingit Indian for “Thundering Wings of an Eagle” ,that is because the town takes the shape of an eagle in flight when viewed from deer Mountain. We were warned about the “traffic ninjas”, these pedestrian crossing attendants take their job VERY seriously and if anyone should step over the sidewalk before they instructed too they get very upset! I guess it upsets the whole town’s traffic system when a ship or two bring in an extra 3000 people… Shore excursions available were – floatplane or boat to Misty Fjords, flightseeing and I think someone mentioned snorkelling! On board entertainment in theatre “iBroadway” – music from Broadway past and present.. We had the best ... read more

20th July ’12 Ketchikan A grey, rainy, blustery day and we have arrived in Ketchikan - The Salmon Capital of the World. We are moored up right along the Front Street in the old historic town, which is…. yes you guessed it, lined with jewellery stores and souvenir shops! Again we got off and ran the gauntlet of stalls and people holding signs offering tours at lower prices than the ship. We started the hunt for the coins and charms and found the stores had given up completely on trying to get you to try on or buy their wares, which was a godsend. In one shop they were selling lots of Sarah Palin election promotion items like fridge magnets and postcards saying things like Run Sarah Run! 2012 election and Sarah says I can see ... read more

Friday June 15, 2012 Three’s a Crew Kira is returning with us and we are a crew, older and more experienced seamen that on our voyage together last year. With only a captain and an admiral giving orders we need a boatswain (pronounced bo’sun) to the things bo’suns do, like help carry provisions down to the ship and perhaps calm the angry birds. This is the first airplane flight that she can remember finding novelty and excitement in all she sees including the nifty little tables that fold up against the seat in front. She brought crafts, activities and drawing pads intent on using them all on our 1 ¾ hour flight to Ketchikan. I probably should have hailed a taxi for the one-mile trek from the ferry landing to Bar ... read more