Alaska Cruise: Day 6, Ketchikan

Day 6: Arrive in Ketchikan, “Salmon Capital of the World”, at 6:53 am. 55 degrees, rain, overcast. This was our wettest day but Ketchikan is Alaska’s wettest city; on average 13 feet of precipitation falls annually. We did not have much time at this stop, departure was at 12:00 noon. We had made reservations before the cruise to go on a DUCK (amphibious vehicle) tour of the historic town and harbor. Our tour was through the rustic streets of Ketchikan, the new and historic sights, the salmon ladder on Ketchikan creek viewing the spawning grounds and live salmon in season, picturesque Whale Park with its beautiful flowers and antique clock, and Creek Street where we learn of Ketchikan’s colorful past and salty beginnings, (a brothel story). Next we get ready to pick up our feet and our hands in the air (and wander “can this thing really float”) and drive into the scenic harbor of the Tongass Narrows. As we pass the local fishing fleet, we motor down the channel for up close view of Bald Eagles (two adults and two babies) in their natural habitat. We could see them; however, it was raining so much that we could not get any good pictures. We arrived safely back on shore and spent as much time as possible walking around the city. This would be our last stop in Alaska.