I gave considerable thought to one of Cunard’s shore experiences at around 6am this morning, a 4 hour river trip to one of Alaska’s most dramatic and wonderful areas. Amazingly, I was awake early enough for the 8.15 start. I peeked through the curtains of my stateroom, only to find the familiar town of Ketchikan with its mountainous backdrop obscured by low mist and cloud. No surprise then; Ketchikan has the reputation for being the wettest part of an already wet Alaska. But, for my second visit here, we have been pretty fortunate with the weather, and even in Alaska’s wettest town, the sun has popped out occasionally. I decided the wilderness river trip would have been a bit of a rush and decided to leave it possibly for some time in the future.
Ketchikan, population around 10,000, seems to have made a full recovery from the two years of covid chaos. Four cruise ships visited today, Queen Elizabeth, Silver Muse, Disney Wonder and Norwegian Jewel.
According to the poster (above), at one point, 4,859 passengers flooded into the town. It looks as if there might, at last be some kind of post covid-19 recovery. The shops were all open, stocked floor to ceiling with every kind of souvenir. But actually, I would imagine that the place needs a daily armada of passenger ships to aid their economic recovery.
I have taken to exploring independently these days, rather than being shepherded on an organised tour. I probably don’t see as much, but I do get a more authentic feel of where I am visiting. And today was a “fun” day, exploring Ketchikan’s once dodgy Creek Street, and the haphazard suburbia beyond. I suppose one should experience The Great Alaskan Lumber Jack Show when in Ketchikan. It was hugely impressive and amusing at the same time. I also just had to visit Dolly’s House…on Creek Street. Google it for more details. I didn’t stay long!
As with many of my blogs, I am completing this the day after, while at sea for the last time on this 43 night voyage. The nightmare of packing is in progress as I await the last items from the laundry. The sea is just nice with little movement caused to the ship. But I am tired, and as I try to get another 26,000 steps in by the time I disembark, old ladies with zimmer frames are overtaking me on the fast lane of the Promenade Deck! I couldn’t have slept well last night, and the hour was advanced to 8 hours behind the UK’s British Summer Time. I have treated myself to a decaff latte in the extremely comfortable Carinthia Lounge midships, starboard on 2 deck through whose large windows, one can look out onto whatever is outside.
Once again, I had around an hour to return to the ship. I took it easy, stopping to photograph images of what could well be my last visit here. While in Sitka, I contemplated coming again this time using the available public transport and staying two or three nights in the places visited for just a few hours during this cruise. However, it was hinted to me that the cost of ferries and other transportation as well as accommodation, is prohibitive. $45 from Haines to Skagway doesn’t sound too bad ‘though. It’s an interesting prospect.
It had been cool and occasionally wet during the day, but very conducive to wandering around. But, back on the ship, the drizzle kept all but one (and me) from the open area, aft on Deck 9. The forested hills and snowcapped mountains were once again partially obscured by low cloud and mist. This in itself was rather lovely. It won’t be long now before I am back in the heat of a U.S. summer, and writing about my experiences of bulk long distance American rail travel, when sometimes, the train is a bus!
We set sail very shortly after the 4.30 deadline for being back on board. I committed my last visions of Alaska to film and video on this device, and the “new” Lumix which Stefan very kindly made available to me a few days ago. The opportunity to record passing the Disney Wonder, again from my cabin was rare indeed.
So, that was Ketchikan, usually the first call on an Alaska cruise. Going there won’t change your life, but I feel some kind of achievement having been there twice.
Many thanks for reading, David, Café Carinthia, 13.55 hrs 12/6/22.
David's Cruise 