Blogs from Sitka, Alaska, United States, North America - page 4

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 ... read more

Today was partly sunny with no rain and rather warm. Beautiful! We got to Sitka, AK on Baranof Island. Sitka is a small mostly fishing town. I think the local shop owners were a little dazed at the arrival of tourists. I ran into town to buy very expensive cigarettes from a machine at a smoky bar (the only place in town that sold cigarettes!), batteries for my camera and postcards. Pam, Mary and me also went to a small burger joint and had a great burger. We stopped back by later in the day for an espresso milkshake. MMM MMM! After my quick jaunt into town I hooked up with my group to go salmon fishing. Thanks to my wonderful brother, Paul, I was able to enjoy 4 hours of trolling around in the bay ... read more

A person is only as good as what they love._______Saul Bellow June 24, 2005, Friday. The system of getting on and off the ferry is now down pat. Our campground is right next to the ferry dock, and 13 mile to downtown Sitka. We have not had any cell reception with Verizon, since WA. People with Cellular One are fine. Today was our first mail pick-up, everything went smoothly, thank you Jamie and Denise and Mike!! We walked around downtown. Sitka faces the Pacific Ocean. The waters offshore are broken by a myriad of small-forested islands, which are just lovely. Snow-capped mountains flank the town. However, when the cruise ships dock, the town is flooded with tourists. It changes the natural beauty into a carnival atmosphere. Our neighbors, Jim and Bonnie graciously invited us to ... read more