After experiencing incredible natural wonders during our trip, we chose a cultural heritage excursion in Wrangell. Our young Tlingit guide, Kevin (his Tlingit name is Kaatushtoo – meaning “break in the ice or glacier”) gave us a personalized insight into the history and culture of the Tlingit nation. We met with elder Virginia in the Shakes House – hearing about the culture, history, stories and traditions. Informative, entertaining and inspiring… A visit followed to a small but mighty museum which depicted the history of the Tlingit people as well as the Russians and Americans that came to the area for furs, gold and fishing. Unfortunately, the all too familiar story of the mistreatment of indigenous peoples was played out here in Alaska. The Tlingit history goes back almost 10,000 years!

We ended our tour at Petroglyh Beach – a beautiful and mysterious place… Much is still unknown about these petroglyphs.

Kevin, our guide

Petroglyph Beach- Wrangell… such a beautiful spot!

Ketchikan is a small town with lots of history. Creek Street, although quite touristy and busy with 3 large cruise ships docked in the harbor, was quite interesting and once the red light district on stilts along the River where salmon were spawning.

Salmon, salmon everywhere! On their journey to spawn and then die. Only 30% of new hatchlings live to return to the river where they were hatched just a few years earlier.

Early 19th century totem pole in the Totem Pole Museum in Ketchikan. Totem poles were carved for 1 of 4 purposes- to tell a story, to mark an event, as a memorial/burial, and as a shaming pole.

Float planes regularly landed right off our ship while we were docked in Ketchikan. Keith loved watching them land!

Our excursion in Ketchikan was to a nature reserve where we had hoped to see some black bears. Ketchikan has 1600 bears on the island, all free to roam the island. The reserve included wooden walkways above a salmon stream where bears often fish. Saw 3 or 4 bears in their natural habitat- incredible, awe-inspiring and fun!

Was pleased to get this photo with my I-phone. This bear meandered along the stream for 20 minutes or so, then walked under our boardwalk and went into the woods.

The red cedar hug at the nature reserve…

The last day of excursions was spent cruising, anchoring and zodiacing in Misty Fjords National Monuments and wilderness area. Spectacular… began the cruise viewing a glacier and ended by being engulfed with a wild, remote beauty that John Muir called an “unfinished Yosemite.” Spruce, hemlock, cliff rock formations, water falls, bald eagles, and much more…

We even had sun in the Misty Fjords and a wonderful salmon barbecue lunch on deck with new friends Connie and Reiner.

Here are a few photos that Reiner took during the trip… I loved seeing his photos throughout the cruise.

Photo by Reiner Alpert

Photo by Reiner Alpert

Photo by Reiner Alpert

Photo by Reiner Alpert- we had only one outstanding sunset on the trip because of the many days of clouds and intermittent rain. I glimpsed this sunset through the porthole in the dining room as we had a delightful dinner at the Captain’s table!

Sailing into Vancouver on Saturday for disembarkation. Flew to Seattle to stay with brother Bill and Mary Lou for 9 days. We are a bit worried about Dorian, and send prayers and hugs for safety for our friends in harms way. We are heart broken for the Bahamian people…

Will do another several posts this week. Until then… ciao!