Welcome to my favorite port! Ketchikan, another town in Alaska only accessible by boat or plane, is at the base of 3,000 foot Deer Mountain. Ketchikan's economic past of being a logging town is now focused on fishing (Salmon Capital of the World) and tourism.
We experienced three excursions at this port: Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure, Duck Tour and Lumberjack Show. All were well worth the time and price.
The Duck tour begins with a city tour loaded with fun facts. For example, in Ketchikan many houses are located along steep staircases, which are classified as streets. Yes, that means that Postal employees get to trek up steep staircases that go on and on, to deliver the mail and city employees get to clear them of snow. As the guide pointed out, you only forget your car keys in your house once.
Ketchikan has very temperate weather, with lows in winter only averaging in the 30's. What you might find unbearable is the wind, which whips the city with fury.
Off we went into the water for a tour of the area around the bay. This is a great place to see bald eagles, as there is a fishery right at water's edge which provides plenty of food.
The town area is loaded with shops with much the same mass produced stuff as the other ports. There are some nicer upscale shops, but it seems the area has been overbuilt and some shops had an air of desperation trying to get you to come in.
The Lumberjack show is well done and rousing with the "US" competing against "Canada". Where you sit in the stadium determines which team you root for.
The snorkeling excursion is reached by a 30 minute ride, and you are provided with dry suits. Another well done experience, not cold as you'd think, and a highlight of the trip for those who enjoy snorkeling.
Who wouldn't like to remember their Ketchikan day with this Disney totem pole?
Farewell, Ketchikan...I hope to see you again one day.
