June 10, 2019
The first stop on the cruise was in Ketchikan, which is known as Alaska’s “first city” due to it’s location at the southern tip of the Inside Passage.
The first time we visited Ketchikan we found a bald eagle sitting in a tree, waiting to welcome us. He welcomed us again, this year. Unfortunately, I was unable to get a picture of him this time, but here’s one from last time.
Not sure what’s going on in the background with the scaffolding and ladder.
If you spend enough time here, chances are good it will rain at least once. This was our second visit to Ketchikan and it rained both times. The average annual rainfall is 162 inches. Local residents call it “liquid sunshine” and umbrellas are rarely used by locals. We did use umbrellas.
We decided to explore around the city for a bit and came upon Creek Street.
The area includes a historic boardwalk perched on pilings along the banks of the Ketchikan Green. It is a former Red Light District. Now it is a fun place to view totem poles, shop at locally-owned stores and galleries, watch the salmon gather by the thousands to span upstream.
Then off an another adventure we went, where we came across the Cape Fox Hill – Creek St. Funicular. (Unbeknownst to Randi and I at this time, we would get to ride in quite a few funiculars, around the world.)
The 60 second, 211 foot journey took us up to the Cape Fox Lodge. Once we got off the funicular we were able to take in a beautiful but cloudy view of the city. The Cape Fox Lodge had many beautiful art pieces inside and Randi found a bear friend she wanted to take home. but it was what was outside on the front lawn that captured Margo’s interest.
Ketchikan has the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles, found through the city and at four major locations In front of the Lodge is a Council of the Clans Totem Circle. There are six totems that are representative of the culture of the Northwest Coast Peoples. Margo spent quite a bit of time, studying the intricate detail of each one.
After spending time at the Lodge, we rode the funicular back down and off we went to our Ketchikan Duck Tour. Even though it was raining, it still was fun as we explored the rustic streets of Ketchikan.
That is our cruise ship, the Norwegian Joy.
Even though it rained the majority of the time we were in Ketchikan, we had a great time with our family.
Life is short. Spend it with people who make you laugh and feel loved.
Next stop, Juneau and Daws Glacier.
Not One Day Longer 