Alaska - Ketchikan


Ketchikan isn’t the most photogenic city, but it’s Alaska’s southernmost city and a natural port of call for most Alaska cruise ships on the Inside Passage. It is famous for fishing, logging, totem poles, and copious amounts of rain (about 13 feet per year!). We were lucky enough to have a dry day for a self-guided walk around town. The mountains of food available on the cruise ship have prompted us to walk as much as possible and avoid the elevators for maximum calorie burn. And Deborah's new fitbit is helping keep us on track.  I suppose we could just eat less but when the dining fare on offer is so tasty (and already paid for) it is hard to resist.


Now dedicated to the tourist trade, historic Creek Street is Ketchikan's former red-light district. Much of Ketchikan is built on pilings like these as a means of dealing with a steep and rocky hillside.


Ketchikan Creek runs right through town.
(photo by Deborah)



Sign on display at the Tongass Historical Museum, alluding to Ketchikan's history as the "salmon canning capital of the world."



Ketchikan is known for its Alaska Native culture, especially totem poles.


Inside the small but well presented Totem Heritage Center. The unusually placed figure at the top right looks like a dinosaur to me but actually represents a bear.


Speaking of dinosaurs...
(photo by Deborah)



Another fine example of Northwest Coast art at the Totem Heritage Center.


Our ship was probably the biggest structure in Ketchikan while it was docked.


(photo by Deborah)










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