As you wind your way up the Alaskan inland waterway you pass many forest encrusted islands. It’s surprising to see the fir trees cascade from the top of the mountain peaks all the way to the coastline. As we entered Ketchikan, it was low tide and slightly overcast. After a quick breakfast we hopped ashore.
There was a lovely walk along picturesque Creek Street that started at a salmon river. Traveling along the boardwalk we saw a row of quaint wooden buildings. Apparently this was the famous red light district for several decades. The local joke was Creek Street was where both men and salmon came to spawn!
Upon our return to the ship dock, we had a tour of a local lumberjack show and viewing of native wood carved totem poles. The lumberjack show was great fun with axe throwing contests, climbing up poles and sawing. The audience was whooping and hollering for their team. One of the lumberjacks cut a fine figure as representative of what we all imagine an Alaskan lumberjack to look like.
It was a most lovely day with the sun coming out to warm our bones and dry off our jackets. We loved watching the scenery flow by as we left the port. We observed bald eagles and one Pacific dolphin. By 10pm our bodies were filled with pleasure as the last rays of a beautiful sunset was observed behind the mountains.
