Alaska 7-15-2013

Toni here,

My Mother,  Faye

                                         

Hello to all of our family and friends! My Mother, Faye, flew into Petersburg on the 8^th to join us for a week of cruising. We were so excited to share this with her. The first day we showed mom the town, explained about the different types of fishing they do in Alaska, and the fish canneries. Petersburg is known for its Norwegian heritage. Many residents can trace their heritage back to Norwegian ancestors who came in the 1900's to fish or work in canneries.

The next morning we took her out to La Conte Glacier to see icebergs What luck, she saw her first Killer Whales with a baby. She enjoyed seeing the icebergs and we were able to put more glacier ice in our cooler for cold drinks. We had her stay the first two nights in a motel in Petersburg.

We cruised down the Wrangell Narrows and then east in Sumner Strait to Wrangell, an historical Indian village and a town of totem poles. Tote means to carry, while totem means to carry on. Totem poles represent the creed and history of different tribes. Only five tribes carved totems. These embrace forms of myths, charms, evil spirits, legends, and witchcraft. These people believe in transmigration of souls, and that human intelligence exists in animals (bears), birds(eagles and ravens), fish (salmon), and frogs. Totems are read from the top down.

Chief Shakes Tribal House

We decided to cruise on to Anita Bay and anchor, Moms first night on the boat. Her and I shared the v-berth and Russ put an air mattress on the back deck with his sleeping bag. We all slept comfortably. In the bay we saw a black bear and eight Sitka deer. Then we wondered, “Do bears eat deer?”

Russ' Bed in cockpit

The next day was windy on our way to our next anchorage, Meyers Chuck. I got a little woozy but mom did great! I laid in the v-berth while mom kept Russ company and helped watch for possible obstructions. Meyers Chuck is a small settlement with a state float you can tie to. A small trail leads past a phone booth (local calls only and that is if there is a phone attached!) and on to a gallery (which will open if you call) then a great trail which leads past some cabins on through the beautiful woods to a nice beach facing the channel. It was a nice hike and we enjoyed it so much. After you are on the boat for a day or two you need some exercise. There was a sign on a bulletin board that said, 'Call me for fresh homemade cinnamon rolls, $3.00 each with or without walnuts, I will deliver to your boat early the next morning.' We started our cell phones up and mom had one bar, so we called and left a message for six rolls, not knowing if we would get them or not. 7:00 am the next morning the nicest lady was at our boat with our sweet hot rolls. Thank you mom for having the right amount of change and buying us breakfast. What a treat! On our way to Ketchikan we were lucky enough to see a group of Dall Porpoise chasing fish.

We got to Ketchikan and took mom to her motel room. We felt two nights would be plenty for mom to experience how we live when we are traveling on our boat. We almost stayed with her! Big bed and a long hot shower! Oh well. We love our shower and have learned how to take a two gallon bath.

Ketchikan began with a Tlingit fishing village at the mouth of the Ketchikan river then spread out in both directions like the wings of an eagle. We rented a car and drove to the Totem Bight State park and saw totems and a clan house. Then on to Totem Heritage Center and saw ancient totem poles which were retrieved from abandoned villages. We toured Ketchikan along with 8,000 other tourists from cruise ships. There are 3 to 4 cruise ships a day, every day, for 4 months. Tourism is the main industry here.

Mom stayed four days then flew out of Ketchikan back to her home in Longview. If we could have kept her for the rest of the cruise, it would have been wonderful. Mom is so appreciative of everything and a joy to be with. We love you mom!

Ketchikan Marina

The pictures say it all. Enjoy!!

Russ and Toni on Traveler