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Getting off the ship

On the ship looking at Vancouver pier

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KETCHIKAN

Touring one of the world's largest collecton of Alaskan carvings. Interesting that after connection with the western world, this art flourished in a way not possible prior to avalability of iron tools. The photo above shows pre-western contact art.

Saw another river filled with salmon so thick I felt I could almost walk across. Amazing how the river is alive with life. We were standing on a bridge just inside the inlet as these anadromous fish first hit fresh water. They were in much better than the ones I saw earlier in the week further inland.

Tomorrow, a full day of sailing on the inside passage.

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from the harbor at Ketchikan

Another tidy little community nestled in the foothills in an inlet.

Populaton of 7,000 -- a large community for Alaska. Chatted with a father who was fishing with his adult son on the bridge in the upper right of the photo.

We chatted about when migrating salmon lost their appearance and taste. Mentioned that I spent some time in the Kenai. He said he was saving his money to move there.

Said he needed to treat his medical condition -- gold fever.

It still exists up here.

A not so funny joke

Alaskans take it seriously. Some town are built on permafrost -- which is now melting. Not a thing anyone can do about it.

Part of the history of Alaska

or should we say part of the history of man.

just another sign in the woods

We actually found a black bear passed out in the woods after gorging himself on salmon.

lunch in Skagway

part of the rugged majesty of this land

Only a few miles from any town, the moutains rise quickly to the sky.

Update -- from Skagway

Finally full internet access. Been merely uploading from camera so far.

Lisa was kind enough to give us an update from 9th Street. Glad to hear all is calm.

I've taken about 500 images so far -- plus several videos, including Greg B. performing karaoke (Ricky Martin) in an onboard contest.

I enjoy the pace of cruising. Fun to go out and explore a city and then come back "home" to your cabin. Also enjoy the swaying of the ship for sleep. And yes, the food is amazing.

A couple of unanticipated treats: the international staff. Crew is recruited from around the world. Everyone lists their home country on their name badge. I've met several folks from Serbia.

Another treat is the diversity of the guests. There are several large families of folks who I look nothing like -- but I've fallen in love with their exuberance and gusto. It's been an opportunity to dine, drink and dance with folks I would never would otherwise be able to enjoy.

Alaska itself is continuing to evolve. Juneau for example may not survive it the state capitol moved to Anchorage. Of the 36,000 people there, already 6,000 have left in anticipation. It was a funny place to build a capitol -- no road access so it is one of the most expensive cities in the hemishere. Everything must be barged from Seattle.

Sitka was fun to visit again -- I was 16 last time I was here -- but again it reminded me of the tragic past of fires -- so many signs saying "on this spot was a famous building -- that burned down."

Our daily news

Delivered every night to our cabin -- a listing of events and activities for the next day. Also, each morning, the ship's closed circuit TV features a ragged Good Morning America-like show with the cruise director, Chris.

A visit to a rement of ancient history

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Welcome to Juneau

Along Main Street in Juneau

Not sure even Molalla has thought of this.

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Sitka

Russian Orthodox Church.

Lit a candle here in memory of my folks.

The boys are getting ready for a night out

Reflections on fine wine on the cruise

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A close up shot of Mendenhall Glacier

A roof shot

From the top deck of ship, looking down through the skylight.

Chivas on ice

from our cabin patio

Glass elevator video

It's grainy -- but you can get the idea.

Staircase down to main lobby

Harbor view

Papa and Ricky watch the ship as it pulls into a harbor.

Our first night on the ship

A warm and sunny evening at the dock in Whittier prior to departure.

Our first view of the ship as we get off the train

Whittier Alaska

On the train from Anchorage to Whittier

Emma and I liked to watch from the open door between the cars.

Alaska Railroad Depot -- Anchorage

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Trains, planes and ships

On the way back from the Kenai

Evening at Kenai Lake. Peaceful. Warm, certainly by Alaska standards. Ironic that Alaska is experiencing the coldest summber in 30 years -- and then we show up -- it is warm (65) and clear.

On the beach in the city of Kenai

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reflections on Alaska

I like this place. My reference point is Montana. Reminds me of the places I've visited there. The difference is that every so often you see the impact of huge abouts of cash that have upgraded the infrastructure and quality of some facilities.

In his book, Mitchener talks about how the 1800s saw drunks abound in this rugged and often trying place.

So too today. Drugs and alcohol pose a great challenge here.

Lots of back roads and ability to live off the grid.

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I just love the delicate hues of this grass

Just because we are roughing it, doesn't mean we eat like barbarians

Traditional family dinner of salmon and steak with melted bleu cheese.

I've never seen so many mushrooms

Walking down the road a bit

Front porch of our cabin

Not in the hustling urban area of Sterling, AK, but in the suburbs.

In other words, go to no where, then go 20 miles west.

Our host was Greg. A large hulking fellow I would imagine around 50. Full Santa-length beard. Large aviator glasses. A chapped nose that seems to have suffered much abuse.

The cabin was a delight. Isolated. Clean and well built. I did enjoy the outside carriage lights over the kitchen sink.

Outside our cabin in Sterling

Alaska runners

in the Anchorage half marathon

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