Alaska Day 8 - Ketchikan

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Day 8 of our Alaska journey starts with a dose of reality. A cruise ship has been stranded in Ketchikan for several days, and as a result, we will be tendering to shore. There have been several cruise ship mechanical issues in recent months, and this is another on the growing list. However, we tendered to shore, located the visitor center, and completed a walking tour which included three excellent museums and some salmon-watching.

The first museum had a focus on the development by settlers who came to the area in the early 1900's.

The second museum was more historical and explained the totem pole messages and cultural significance.

The third museum was the National Park Service museum. The telescope view into creek street waters was a different perspective than at street level. There were interactive displays throughout the exhibit, for about 45 minutes of educational activities. Our visit to this museum ended with a 20 minute video in a theater setting which was at the high standard of the US Park Service videos. Very educational and incredible scenery throughout the video. Excellent!

The Planes, Trains and Automobiles status: Plane trips = 3; train trips = 3, ships/boats = 4, bus/shuttle trips = 8, taxi/car= 2, golf cart = 3

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Photos

Alaska - Ketchikan
The salmon in the photo is jumping upstream in the rocky rapids.

Alaska - Ketchikan
Creek Street - Shopping and Salmon watching

Alaska - Ketchikan
Another view of Creek Street

Alaska - Ketchikan City View
from cruise ship balcony

Alaska - Ketchikan-Tongass Historical Museum
First museum on walking tour. This museum had a good history of the early 1900's development.

Alaska - Ketchikan
The Totem Heritage Museum was the second museum on the walking tour. This museum has a lot of history about the whys and hows of totem making, along with some displays of this intricate artform.

Alaska - Ketchikan-Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
This museum is not on the official walking tour, but it should be! It was only one block off of the path.