Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a pretty neat town …. when it is not inundated with cruise ships. They get nearly a million cruise ship visitors a year. On any given day the population of the town doubles depending on the amount of cruise ships. There isn’t enough dock space to accommodate these huge ships anymore so some will anchor out in the harbor and take the passengers to shore with smaller ships. Needless to say there were a few ships in town and that meant LOTS of people.

The unfortunate side of the cruise ship industry is that they funnel passengers to stores and activities that are either owned by the cruise line or have paid the cruise line a kick back. They leave the local businesses to fight for the scraps. Local business owners have a hard time competing with the deep pockets of the cruise industry. So the next time you consider taking a cruise, be sure to visit the other shops and tours NOT listed on your ship’s literature.

Creek Street is one of the major attractions of Ketchikan. All the stores and restaurants are situated on pilings overlooking a small creek. This time of year the creek is filled with salmon and seal trying to catch an easy dinner. Chances are if you have seen a photo of Ketchikan it was of Creek Street.

Ketchikan is also home to many totem poles. Carved by local artists these poles reflect a variety of events such as a death of a leader, a legend, or even a way to shame people. The poles are carved from a single cedar tree that is felled with great respect. The carver is told which images are requested to be carved but he has sole discretion as to the exact way it is done. Once the pole is completed the person who requested that is be made throws a potlatch for the entire community. During the potlatch the symbols are explained and a huge feast is provided. It some cases potlatches can last for days with lots of gift giving and some people traveling for days to attend.

Dave Looking at a New Totem Being Carved

Ketchikan also had a great example of a clan house. Up to 50 people lived in these well carved structures (roughly 25’ by 30’). There is a community fire pit in the center and benches along the perimeter. The floor boards can be removed for additional storage. Dried meat and furs were hung from the rafters.

From Ketchikan we take our last ferry ride south to Prince Rupert, Britich Columbia. This means we will finally be back on the mainland and connected to the North American highway system.