Ketchikan, AK

We departed Prince Rupert, BC at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday May 12th.   We had to be at the ferry terminal at 4:30 a.m. prior to leaving, so that was a short night's rest.   Boarding the ferry wasn't too hard, not near as many questions to anwer leaving BC as coming into it.   The ferry ride lasted about 6 hours.  

Getting ready to board

All set on the "car" deck

 Most of the trip was smooth sailing, except for a short period of time when we were in open water with the Pacific Ocean on one side.   It got RATHER rough then.   Tossing side to side was not particularly fun.   Had to hang on just to be able to walk around.  

Doesn't really show the rough waves, but did toss a little

 Met some very interesting people traveling on the ferry.  One man was a local from Ketchikan and gave us all kinds of tips on where to go eat, what to see and what to avoid (due to the cruise ships being in town).  He was extremely helpful.  The views from on board were gorgeous, but no whales were spotted (darn).   We will see whales!! I just know it.







Waves crashing on shoreline

Snow capped mountains viewed from ferry

Ketchikan in the rain as we came into port

After our ride on the ferry, it was time to land in Ketchikan.  Of course, it was raining and cold at the time we came into port so we couldn't see too much of the town yet from the ferry.

After setting up the trailer (in the rain) and trying to warm up we did little exploring.   On Sunday the Sun came out and has been out ever since.   The locals are rather excited with the weather right now.   I'm just glad that it decided to be sunny for our time here in Ketchikan.  Beautiful city.  Did some of the tourist things, explored downtown Ketchikan along with 3,000 people off the cruise ships.   One local guy wanted to FLY us out to Misty Fiords National Monument for only $400.  Said that they would circle the plane around so we could get a really good look.  Ok, most of you know what I think about flying, so that was a great big NO WAY. 

Reconstructed mining town on river

After exploring downtown we did some hiking out in the local rainforest with beautiful waterfalls and green, green forests. 


View right out the back of our trailer



One of many hiking trails

Hiked all the way around Ward's Lake (2.5 miles)

After hiking we went to the local Native Cultural Center to view the Totem Poles that are so famous here.  The Totem Poles are really spectacular and something to see.   Can't imagine all the work that went into creating them. 

Native Cultural Center



The Totem's all have meaning to the different Native Clans here in Alaska.   There are Clans such as the Eagle Clan, Raven Clan, Beaver Clan, etc.   The Totem's are a record of the history of a Clan, the chief of the Clan or even a burial memorial to someone in the Clan.



View from the drive along the shoreline in Ketchikan

Waterfall just off the main highway

Of course we also saw a variety of local wildlife.  Still no bears, moose or other large mammals.

Stellar Jay

Cute little Red Squirrel

Bald Eagle

We leave this evening on the ferry to Petersburg, AK.   We have to be at the ferry landing around 10:30 p.m. and depart at 12:30 a.m.   This will be a long ride of about 9 hours.   At least we had more time in Ketchikan than those traveling on the cruise ships.   While I know that's a wonderful way to go (have done some cruising) I'm so glad that we had more time to explore this wonderful city.

Cruise ship heading north