Day 9 - Ketchikan, Alaska

WOW!!!  Has Ketchikan grown!!!  Since my visit in the 70's they built a huge shopping area out over the water that is also the pier to accommodate the big cruise ships.  I was just really amazed because I have a good memory of the village from that previous trip.

Our excellent weather is holding which was great as today I was taking a boat to an island for another hike in a temperate rain forest.

After leaving the ship and boarding our bus we wound through town and while still downtown traffic stopped for two Sitka Deer who managed to loose their forest.  I felt bad for them as you could see they were confused and frightened.

Twenty minutes later were we as far as the road goes on the island and in a small harbor where our adventure began.  The boats were too cool!!!

We were assured by our captain that they were totally sea worthy.  I'm glad I had extra layers on as the ride to Britton Island was cool.

During the 25 minute ride we suddenly slowed in the water and Mike, our captain, announced that there was something he never expected to see.  We knew it was special when he whipped out his camera and started taking pictures.  There was a young male Sitka Deer swimming from one island to another.  He got a little confused with our arrival, but quickly found his bearings and completed his swim.  We watched as he gained his footing and climbed out of the water safe and sound.

We arrived at the island and completed our 1.5 mile hike in the rain forest.  It was beautiful and I wish my photos did it justice, but it doesn't.  I took way too many photos of ferns and skunk cabages, etc, etc....more than what you want to see.

I am now sitting in an outlet mall connecting to their free wifi.  Need to wrap up so I can walk around town a bit.  This is our last stop of the cruise.  Tomrrow is a sailing day and Friday we arrive in Vancouver. 

Won't be another post after this one until Saturday evening when I start my road trip on the Olympic Pennsulia.