Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a cityof 10,000 (14,000 in the summer) on the shore of the inside passage. It is only accessable by sea or air, has 26 miles of road and thousands of cars. 1 in 7 people has a pilot's license, everyone owns at least one boat and usually a quad or snowmobile.

We got off the ship this morning soon after it docked and I (Laurel) decided to take a float plane trip to Misty Fjords National Monument. It is a unique mountainous area that is awesomely beautiful. We flew over mountains, frozen lakes, and stunning scenery. We landed on the fjord and got a chance to see it up close by getting out and standing on the floats...took me back to my north country past for sure! Michael was a little reluctant but was as awed as the rest of us on the plane ( a DeHavilland Beaver, the safest plane in the world!) We were out for 2 1/2 hours and could easily have stayed for more. Earlier it rained so we were not sure how the visibility would be but the sun came out and it was beautiful. They get 13.5 FEET of rain per year so trees grow in logged out areas without reforestation. After our flight we walked around downtown and visited the Alaska Interpretive centre...very interesting and a timber frame, stunning building. We went to the old red light district, called Creek Street, which is now cute shops and pubs.

We are on our last sea day tomorrow so will be busy trying to fit everything into our suitcases.....may not be possible! Looking forward to be home and see everyone!!

Laurel and Michael