DFR Travels: Sitka, Alaska...

Saturday August 17. Heavy overcast. 15C.

The USA bought Alaska for $7,200,000 in 1867. One of a few reasons was that Russia was in debt from the Crimean War. Sitka was the former Russian Capital of Alaska, [the name then was New Archangel.]

The ship was moored five miles from the city of Sitka at a rather industrial wharf that was a working minor boat repair yard.

We had another early start to the day, we were in the theatre waiting to get off at 8:15. The weather was not nice at all, a drizzle and fog as we walked along the wharf and up a ramp to the awaiting buses. The buses are like a modern School Bus not the usual Mercedes buses in big cities, very comfortable though.

Again today we opted for the Free Ship's Tour, [there is one free tour in every port]. Today it was to a park about 12 miles out of Sitka where we could see the migrating salmon, by the thousands, struggling in shallow water to get somewhere to spawn and then die. There were several dead ones along the banks, nature is not easy on wildlife.

The rain had stopped by now as we took a long trail in the forest to several observation posts and sites that had wonderful Totem Poles that were set in such a way that one could imagine you were stepping back in time. Most of the Totems were very broad, not just 'Carved Telephone Poles'.

Then to the Park Administration Centre where there were artifacts and collections related to Native Americans, as they are called here.

We opted to stay in Sitka on our own for a while to try and do some domestic shopping as we realize there are a few things that we need that we did not bring. For example I needed a sleeveless sweater to cover the suspenders that I need to wear with some pants seeing that my waist is now the same size as my chest, and hips!!! This I could only find in a Thrift Store for $9.00 on sale for $6.65! There were other bits and pieces that we picked up on our walk in this very small but very interesting, neat and orderly city or town.

We had a lunch on the pool deck, now covered, and spent the rest of the day just relaxing with me fiddling with photos and the computer etc.

We have had some wonderful conversations and chats with fellow passengers. Regardless of whether they are Australian or American I find them to be very pleasant, gentle and well travelled. There are many [most] who have travelled with Viking before, some many times before.

I may have mentioned before that this ship is unlike any other we have been on. The dignity of the ship, staff, atmosphere and facilities are all conducive to a very peaceful and dignified adult experience. It is hard for me to put into words the atmosphere aboard. Personally, I love it, I feel completely at home anywhere on board.

Another great thing is the lack of announcements and 'In your Face' over-enthusiastic staff members urging you to participate in activities. The activities are here, go if you want, but don't make me feel guilty if I choose to snuggle with a book!

So far Fellette and I are glad we waited as long as we have to do an Alaskan Cruise. The last two days have been more like a walk in Stanley Park or Capilano Canyon than an adventure tour. That is OK, we are getting the rest that we were looking for as we continue to inch closer to Foreign Lands.

Last night we went to the early show, a ventriloquist. My gosh he was good, I have not laughed so hard in years.
There seems to be everything on this ship that are on others we have sailed on. There are two Cinemas, I earlier told a friend there was none. The six lecturers aboard are great, very interesting, personable and knowledgeable people, the passengers seem to have thirst for that.
The in-cabin TV is a seemingly endless source of information available about your cruise, personalized and anything you want to know about it day by day. There are several live TV stations, mainly with news from around the world, not only US news and a vast selection of movies on demand. As you can tell, I am impressed.