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June 26th 2007
Published: June 26th 2007
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We anchored off of Sitka in Sitka Sound at 8 A.M. this morning. Then we began "tendering in" as the saying goes. Tenders are the ship's smaller boats (life boats) that are used to transport passengers from ship to shore and back when there is no dock space or a dock large enough to handle large floating hotels like the Amsterdam. The tenders are operated by the Quartermaster. Quartermasters are experienced sailors who have been trained through out several years at sea in steering the "big ship" as well as the ship's tenders. John and I signed up for a walking tour of Sitka that started at 1:30. We decide however, to go in early to see St Michael's Cathedral (Russian Orthodox Church) and then have lunch in Sitka. This was a good decision because our walking tour took up all of the afternoon time with just enough time to take the tender back to The Amsterdam. We were warned several times to NOT MISS THE LAST TENDER FROM SHORE! at 4:00 P.M.

Our tour guide was a woman named Dana. Of course, we mentioned that our granddaughter's name is also Dana. The guide was very knowledgeable and personable and we enjoyed her stories. First, we went to the Raptor Center, where birds who have been injured are nursed back to health and hopefully released into the wild again. Some birds become "educational" birds and are used to educate the public more about their habitat and survival, both here at the Raptor Center and in schools and classrooms across the country. Educational Birds become that way because their injuries, even after healing, prevent them from flying again; therefore they could not survive on their own. We saw many Bald Eagles, a Hawk, a Screech Owl, a Falcon, and a Golden Eagle. Then we began our walk back to town through the rain forest (state Park). Dana taught us about trees with shallow root systems and other plants, the Salmon Run, and the totem poles in the Park. It was all very interesting and the weather was beautiful with sunshine, solid ground to walk on, and fresh air. Walking through the forest Park reminded me of my camp counselor days in Washington state. We had time to stop, talk, take pictures, and we still had plenty of time to make the next to the last tender. A lovely relaxing day in Sitka



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St Michael's Cathedral , SitkaSt Michael's Cathedral , Sitka
St Michael's Cathedral , Sitka

Russian Orthodox Church - this shot is a "panoramic" made on Marty's new camera


6th July 2007

great description
As a local Sitkan, it's nice to hear a positive reaction to my hometown. I'm happy that the weather cooperated too. Your pictures were nice and crisp and your descriptions created the experience for me.
11th July 2007

Tuesday
Looks like fun.

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