Fourth of July in Ketchikan
July 2010
In the early morning hours of the 4th of July we finally crossed into American waters and more importantly into Alaska at last! We arrived in Ketchikan under cloudy skies and drizzling rain, but that’s normal for this area. It rains there several times a day this time of year. We took a trolley tour of the city that included a side trip to Saxman to see the totem poles. We then went to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. By the time the show was over, the skies cleared and we enjoyed a lunch outside on deck 12 of the ship as we were pulling out of Ketchikan.'
We're finally in Alaska! Of course, so is a really thick layer of fog.
The US Coast Guard Cutter Acushnet is the oldest active cutter in the fleet which is the reason for the gold number on it.
The FV Aleutian Ballad was seen in the first season of The Deadliest Catch. It's now a tourist attraction.
Pulling into our first stop, Ketchikan.
Having donkeys and miniature horses as a pet is more common here than at home.
Saxman has the largest collection of totem poles in Alaska
You didn't know totems bite, did you?
The artistry in the totem poles is spectacular.
This brings new meaning to the saying "at the bottom of the totem pole."
This secluded house is across from Saxman.
A bald eagle guarding its nest
Appropriately named streets in Saxman, AK
During prohibition they delivered the liquor to these buildings on Creek Street in Ketchikan from underneath by boat.
It was King Salmon season when we were there. This is one of many salmon runs.
It rains a few times a day in southeast Alaska, so hundreds of species of moss grow everyplace.
I ate salmon a few times every day, including at the Salmon Market.
The FV Alaskan Leader was seen on The Deadliest Catch
The fog is starting to lift.
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show was fun
Not quite a bulleye, but I'm not telling that to the guy throwing axes.
Where will the axe land?
It is amazing how fast these lumberjacks cut wood
It is amazing how fast these lumberjacks cut wood
I would not want to be chopping wood, but want even less to do it while standing on a board
The pole climbing event isn't for people who are afraid of heights.
It's not how fast you get to the top, it's how fast you get to the bottom.
Running across logs at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Log rolling at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Getting wet during the log rolling event at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Getting wet during the log rolling event at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
In the Ketchikan Fourth of July Parade, the huskies get to ride in a car
Fire engine in the Ketchikan Fourth of July Parade.
Welcome to Ketchikan
Eagle carving in Ketchikan
Ketchikan as seen from our ship
On our way to an outdoor lunch back on the ship
Bald eagle flying around Ketchikan
Bald eagle flying around Ketchikan
No Burger Kings around here, but they have Burger Queen
Ketchikan Airport
We went around this island instead of over it
Celebrating Independence Day with ice and watermelon sculptures
Being passed by a fishing boat
Another spectacular Alaskan sunset