We rolled into Ketchikan at 6 AM to a cool 50F and low clouds. The town is built into the mountainside along the coast. There are some houses that are not near an actual street and the only way to access is via stairs. Several flights of stairs. Those residents have to be very conscience of what they are buying at the store because they will need to pack everything up to their houses on foot. It reminds me a bit of Jerome or Bisbee in Arizona. Everything has to be shipped in by water or air as there are no roads that connect the town to the outside world. Cars must be brought in via barge or ferry from Seattle or Bellingham. Travelling between towns up and down the Southeast Coast is done via ferry. A trip to Juneau typically takes 21 hours by ferry. Ketchikan is located on the Revillagigedo Island and has a population of about 8000. The town’s economy is dependent on the fishing industry and tourism. On any given day, there may be up to 20,000 tourists visiting the town. Ketchikan is located in a temperate rain forest region and averages over 13 feet of rain per year.

The downtown area of Ketchikan has many tourist shops, jewelers and restaurants. It also boasts a large carving of a eagle symbolizing the thundering wings of the eagle as well as a statue entitled “The Rock”. The Rock represents all many hardworking individuals who helped to build the town. Totem poles are scattered throughout the downtown area as well as other artwork available for purchase.

Our excursion for the day was a boat tour provided by Lighthouse Excursions entitled “Lighthouse, Totems, and Eagles”. It lasted a couple hours and originated out of Ward Cove. From our cruise ship, we took a bus to Ward Cove and boarded the boat. As we navigated the area waters, we spotted approximately ten bald eagles. Points of interest included in the tour was the Totem Bight State Historical Park and the lighthouse on Guard Island. The lighthouse is about 12 miles from Ketchikan and was first put into service in 1924. After visiting the lighthouse, we circled back to Ward Cove along the coast of Gravina Island. Gravina Island sits to the west of Ketchikan and is home to the Ketchikan Airport. A ferry or other nautical vehicle is required to travel between the two islands.

We finished out brief stop with a little more shopping and lunch at The Alaska Fish House. Phil ordered the Alaska Sampler fish and chips which included one piece each of fried salmon, halibut and cod with coleslaw and fries. I opted for the salmon chowder which was quite filling. Then it was back to the ship for an early departure to our next destination.

Dinner was in the Pacific Moon Restaurant onboard the ship. Parmesan crusted Cod was the main course with cheesecake for dessert. We followed it up with a comedy show featuring Greg Schwem before turning in for the night. We are currently making our way through the Inside Passage, winding our way through the islands south of Sitka, AK.