Holy cow, we were up and having an early breakfast and into the tenders by 8:15, ashore and on tour by 8:30!!!
We took the free tour today to see a Totem Pole and Cultural Centre. It was wonderful, out in the bush amongst cedars and the smell was crisp and clean, a familiar smell just like 100 Mile where we spent so many good years.
We ended up on a tour of Downtown Ketchikan that comprises just a few blocks of touristy shops, arts and craft and all things Alaskan. We were one of five ships in today, we were the smallest and parked in the channel. One area that was packed with tourists was the old Red Light District, a block from town centre. Now tourist shops of course.
It is sad to see this town that has a population of 7000 with about 13,000 tourists, [my conservative estimate], walking around in a daze. However if one knows why, it makes it a success story.
Apparently lumber was the main industry here for decades, along with fishing, when the mills shut down some many years ago the Town decided to try and survive by making it a Tourist Attraction. They have succeeded beyond belief I would say, otherwise it would be another dying or dead decaying town on the Alaskan coast.
We had a Crab Louie Salad for lunch then wandered back to the ship for a cool shower and a peaceful, restful afternoon. After dinner we took in the Ventriloquist and called it a day. One port talk today was on our agenda as well.
I took 56 photos today, it was tough to get it down to these shown.
Inside a Lodge.
Us two old folks, stumbling along...
A woman is carving this Totem, she has been at it two years.
[Too many tourists interrupting her methinks!]
My much younger wife.
Reindeer skins, $299. They ship!
Interesting and prosperous town. After lunch on the way to the ship.
Main street. There were for huge ships in today, one held over 4500 people!
Again Main Street, looking to the mountains from the harbour.
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