Arriving at Port Ketchikan

Float planes provide important transportation
 all around the state of Alaska

 

 

Wednesday, September 4, 2013...Radiance of the Sea cruised into Port Ketchikan, the salmon fishing capitol of the world, at 8:45 AM.  We were up and ready for breakfast and our 4th and final cruise/tour that we had scheduled for today.  We awaited the call to debark the ship for our Misty Fjords four hour catamaran trip.  Our tour boat was right at our dock, so we boarded for the 55 mile, 2 1/2 hour trip to the beautiful Misty Fjords.  The tour guide welcomed us, and invited us to enjoy Danish and coffee available during our ride.  On the way through the Ketchikan harbor we saw lots of eagles and then went past the famous landmark, New Eddystone Rock (an immense volcanic spire rising 275 feet from sea level).  We cruised into Rudyerd Bay with 3,000 foot vertical cliffs and waterfalls.  The captain piloted us around the majestic walls of granite, throughout Rudyerd Bay.  It was time to head back, and we were given a delicious vegetarian chili to warm us up, while watching a video about the important Alaskan fishing industry.  On the return trip we were treated to the sight of a small rookery of harbor seals. 

 

 

 

A Bald Eagle perched above it's large eyrie (nest)

Our catamaran taking us toward the Misty Fjord National Monument

New Eddystone Rock near Rudyerd Bay

Scientists aren't sure white the rocks near the shore appear to
be "bleached" white...reaction to salt water??

A float plane soring over Rudyerd Bay

Entering majestic Misty Fjords

Granite cliffs of Misty Fjords

Majestic 3,000 foot walls of granite all around us

Our captain deftly maneuvered the catamaran thru beautiful Misty Fjords

More beautiful scenery from our Misty Fjords tour

Harbor Seals sunning themselves

 

Upon return to Ketchican we inquired about the location of the Totem Pole Museum at the welcome center. They suggested that we take a cab ride to the museum.  It had begun to pour down rain, so we were glad to hail a cab and for $7 took a dry and swift ride to the museum.  We paid the $5 entry fee to the Totem Heritage Center and began to learn about the early totem pole specimens on display.  Totems were carved by the native Tinglet clans to share the story of their family.  Once missionaries came to the region totems were also created as a way to memorialize  clan members.  We took lots of photos of the totems, as well as, artifacts created by Tinglet clan members.  Concluding our visit to the museum, we found a free shuttle bus to take us back to the dock location.

 

 

Here are some a few of the beautiful Tinglet Clan carved totem poles and handicrafts:

 

 

Before reboarding our ship we checked out a couple of souvenir shops for more postcards and a book about Totem Poles.  We dropped off our gear in our state room, then grabbed a quick snack at the Dog House.  Then we headed back to the room to journal and rest before our 5:30 dinner time.  I had a great salad, lasagna and of course dessert....which was a chocolate sampler plate.  Since we were nearing the end of our cruise there were many sales going on in the ship's shops.  Before we headed to tonight's show we strolled through several shops to look for some bargains.  I found 5 totem poles for the grandkids and a few postcards. 

 

It was time to head to the Aurora Theater for a show featuring ventriloquist, Brad Cummings.  He used several "dummies" including Gangsta, and our favorite, Rex, the Dino.  He concluded his performance by using a couple of "dummies" from the audience...putting some hilarious words "in their mouths."  I was feeling very tired, so I headed back to our room while Pat went up to see and taste "Sweet Sensations," a chocolate buffet in the Windjammer dining room.  No more port stops for us...cruising all day tomorrow as we head to Vancouver, British Columbia.