Ketchikan

Ketchikan : 

I was up at 0530 walking the decks and enjoying the scenery. The weather seems a bit more typical Alaska, as the skies are cloudy and the wind is cool. 

We were up on Deck 10 for our arrival into Ketchikan, and as we arrived early we got off as soon as we were allowed for some shopping.  Lynn got some $9.99 ear rings and we looked for some local jellies to take home. 

Back to the boat for a sandwich and the we gathered to go on our excursion, the Rainforest, Wildlife Sanctuary, Raptor Center and Totems. This involved a bus ride to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. Here we were met by a guide and went for a walk in the sanctuary. A bout 200 feet into the trail I spotted a black bear crossing the trail. We the continued  as our naturalist guide shared information about the rainforest. Soon we came upon a small male black bear in a tree and there was a cub  further up the tree. We next came to a wet grassland area where they had built a boardwalk from which we were able to observed eagles and other word life. Here we could see the Whitman Hatchery home to many Pacific Salmon. We next made our way to the Fleenor Sawmill. Here several old pieces of old mill equipment can be found. Next we went to the Alaska Raptor Center where they care for injured raptors and train the for release as the are able. This is the only raptor surgical center in Alaska.  We got to see an Eagle who had tangled with a power line and a Great Horned Owl.  Next was a stop at totem carving shop. Interesting to me to learn about the apprenticeship involved with this process.  Next the obligatory gift shop before we boarded a bus back to Ketchikan. Back at the ship we made a quick shopping trip for some more stuff. We returned to the ship to drop our packs and goodies we bought. We then went out again with out our packs. It was in this trip The Boys got more treats, they are so spoiled. 

Returning to the ship we grab a small sandwich and are chilling in our room awaiting dinner.