Day 6: Ketchikan

Our first port of call was Ketchikan, Alaska. It was both an early docking (6:00 am with us disembarking at 6:30 am) and a short day (we had be back on the ship by 1:30 pm). To get the most out of our seven hours I woke Sister up at 5:00 am. I am glad we had at least one early morning. We are far enough north that the sun was already up, I believe sunrise was around 4:33 am and sunsets are near 10:00 or maybe 10:30 am.

The day was clear and beautiful. We didn't complain but were a bit surprised; the town is known for its liquid sunshine. They even have a sign in town.

Being up as early as we were, we got to watch the ship dock. My sad cell phone pictures do not do Ketchikan or any of Alaska justice.

We were the first group off boat. We wanted to look around a bit before our planned excursion. To attack cruisers the big jewelry lines all had promotions. It was a fun treasure hunt to find all the free gifts. The price of these "gifts" was listening to great deals on items I could never afford, sometimes by rather pushy sales people. We did try on some very shiny, very expensive pieces.

 

 My favourite free treasure is a charm bracelet with charms. To complete it you have to visit the two sister stores in every port. I also got a "cruise ship" charm for sitting in a "Gems Around the World" shopping seminar the day before on the cruise. We only saw a few shops in walking distance of our dock before our excursion.

Dad and Mun had their own adventure while Sister and I went ziplinging. I think it was seven ziplines with three sky bridges. I loved it.

 

 

Then we walked around their nature center and totem poles.

 

Back in town we had a few more treasure hunts and exploring. We found Creek Street, our tour guides PG explanation of historic Creek Street was, where the girls "danced" all night. Now it is mostly local gift shops and restaurants with one home a museum to the interesting life of the former owner, whiskey smuggler, and business woman, "Dolly." It was an interesting and informative tour.

 

It was a great day. I wish there were more words to describe it. Every moment was joy and happiness. We made it back to the ship with a bit of time and enjoyed lunch and had a simple afternoon and evening. It was an early night because we were tired and also the next day was another early one. But not before a small bit of rebellion.