Ketchi-kan it get any better.

The only thing that let Ketchikan down today was the weather, but that is the norm from what I have read.  Another big hint is the 20ft plus Liquid Sunshine Gauge that is 
erected down near the information centre. 

 Things were not looking promising today as we sailed into port.  The skies were dreary and grey, the mist hung low and the drizzling rain wouldn’t stop.  If we could pick one day that we wanted good weather, this was the day. 

Our tour was a floatplane booked with Island Wings into Misty Fjord. With the ship running a little late we berthed at the furthest pier from the meeting point, which was the above-mentioned rain gauge.  Seeing a few planes take off, we optimistically raced down in hope that our flights were not cancelled.

All puffed out we found our contact and he quickly bundled us into the van to take us to where the plane took off - he was also in a hurry so we would not miss our take-off time slot.….  Hmm well how about that, we drove all the way back to our ship as the dock was right next door grrrr. 

Hey, is that our plane down there!!

Getting us all prepared for our flight, we were so excited as it seemed that it was all systems go.  We stood at the dock waiting, waiting for our plane to return.  In she came … “what a beauty”.  Our pilot jumped out, they fuelled the plane back up…. And just as we were about to jump on the plane they called us back into the office.  It was decided that flying into the Fjord was useless as visibility was really low. We were given the option of a refund or taking a flight to Prince of Wales Island and its surroundings. The weather front had already moved on from there so it was clear.  Not as grand as Misty Fjord but an opportunity to go up in a floatplane. From the sky the scenery was beautiful. The sun glistened on the waters below as we flew over smaller fjords and lakes on the mountains high above the sea level. 

We landed on a beach to enjoy the serenity and the sunshine, then took off again and headed back.

Once back in Ketchikan we grabbed a walking map and headed around town. One of Ketchikan's highlights is Creek Street, a boardwalk where shops lined the creek that runs through the town. In its heyday, Creek Street served as the Red Light District during the gold rush.  One of the most famous houses of ill repute was Dolly’s House.  Much of it has been preserved as it was left by the madam, and now is a Museum complete with a couple of ladies out front to lure you in. Just off the boardwalk, we followed a track called Married Mans Trail.  Apparently, this was a hidden path where married men could sneak in and out without being seen.

Near the top of the track, there is a small waterfall.  During the spawning season you will see Salmon struggling to make their way back up to the part of the river where they were born… let me tell you a story.

When salmon hatch and start to grow they are imprinted with where they are born.  After swimming off to find greener pastures they return seven years later.  They lay their eggs and then they die… how sad…. (I think that is how the story goes.) 

We spent a little time here watching the salmon fighting their way against the current.  With a little human intervention, a concrete fish ladder was built so the fish could step their way up and return to the calmer waters above, this has greatly increased their odds of success.  I know it is the circle of life but it was so sad as we walked further along the creek where the waters were still, and the fish were all dead!! You just wanted to run back to the waterfall and yell out “stop, don’t do it, it is not worth it” LOL

Following the road around, we had to laugh at a very enterprising family who had a small well in their front yard.  As the road was higher they had attached a plastic pipe to the fence which lead all the way down to the well and offered everyone the opportunity to drop a coin and make a wish… how could you resist? 

If not for the signs along the road you would have thought, we were lost.  Following directions, we walked down a lane, through a car park and although it looked like a dead end, there was a path that led you around to the Totem Heritage Centre.

From a distance this look like it led nowhere ..... but..

 An Interesting museum showcasing a collection of original, unrestored totem poles from the Tlingit and Haida Villages.  Amazing in size and artistry the totem poles take pride of place in the centre of the museum. Ancestors are on hand to answer questions and describe how it was all achieved.

Now starting to feel a little weary we slowly walked the last leg of this little self-guided tour.  Being on the town’s outskirts, it was interesting see homes with quaint gardens, and where we would have a statue of Venus or maybe a cherub. It was not unusual to find a totem pole or two in someones front yard.

Being the last port in Alaska, we walked through every souvenir shop on the way back to the ship just in case we missed something.   But what it did do was give us the opportunity to take more photos with the wildlife of the stuffed variety.

And so it is “Sea La Vie” from the beautiful Sun Princess.