Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Ketchikan, Alaska

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Ketchikan, Alaska.

KETCHIKAN, ALASKA
THE “SALMON CAPITAL OF THE WORLD” AND A CENTER OF HAIDA AND TLINGIT CULTURE

The Salmon Capital of the World is a thrilling introduction to wild and wonderful Alaska, sitting at the southern
gateway to the Inside Passage’s famed route of larger-than-life scenery. Cruise through the waters or soar just above
in a sightseeing plane to take in the majesty of the magnificent Misty Fjords National Monument.

Home to grizzly and black bears and cruising whales and swimming seals, the wildlife spotting opportunities
in this majestic corner of the world are nothing short of spectacular. Towered over by steep banks and valley walls,
Ketchikan’s ocean inlet is peppered with granite stacks looming from the waters.

Surrounded by glorious landscapes, head to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, which is alive with bald eagles, black
bears, and remarkable, thick, yellow banana slugs – the squeamish are advised to keep well clear. Visit Ketchikan’s
Heritage Centre, where a collection of intricately carved totem poles rise, preserving the heritage of the indigenous
Tlingit and Haida people of these lands. Ketchikan has the world’s most extensive collection and some of the oldest and most precious totems.

This frontier city hasn’t always been so wholesome, however. See the colorful historic street built on crooked
stilts over Ketchikan Creek, which has a crude history as the central red-light district in the city. The brothels closed in the 1950s, but you can explore this legendarily seedy past at Dolly’s House – a brothel turned museum. See the Married
Man trail, a historical route used to enter Creek Street away from prying eyes.

GREAT ALASKAN LUMBERJACK SHOW
Southeast Alaska’s rich logging history comes to life in this thrilling display of woodsmen skills – The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. The world’s best lumberjacks go head-to-head in exciting events such as chopping, sawing,
relay races, axe throwing, log rolling, and the 50-foot speed climb. Celebrating a bygone era offers you a great time and quality entertainment for all ages. Covered, heated, and cushioned grandstands make this a great choice on rainy days.

• Creek Street in Ketchikan
• Totem Heritage Center
• Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
• Tongass Historical Museum
• Totem Bight State Historical Park
• Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness

Today’s Excursion – Exclusive Flightseeing & 5-Star Resort
We experienced southeast Alaska’s spectacular mountain and coastal scenery during this flight-seeing excursion with lunch at a 5-star resort.

Ketchikan, Floatplane Flight-Seeing Tour, Southeast Alaska, Tongass Narrows, Mountain Ranges
We took a DeHavilland Beaver floatplane flight-seeing tour of Ketchikan and southeast Alaska. After lift-off, our floatplane gently glided over Ketchikan and the Tongass Narrows, bustling local communities, and awe-inspiring mountain ranges that define this remarkable corner of the world. We saw spectacular panoramic vistas of the unrivaled beauty of southeast Alaska.

Alpine Lakes, Mountain Peaks, Tongass National Forest, Inside Passage, Wildlife, Clover Pass Inlet
This sprawling wilderness is adorned with remote indigenous communities, abandoned mining towns, high alpine lakes,
breath-taking, snow-capped mountains, the lush, green Tongass National Forest, and beautiful blue waters of the Inside
Passage. Your route to the Salmon Falls Resort flies over the rugged peaks at the northern tip of Revillagigedo Island.

Salmon Falls Resort, Alaska Pipeline, Waterfalls, Gourmet Seafood Meal, Scenic Waterfront drive
After being welcomed at the lodge, we learned about Salmon Falls, its history, and the notable piece of the Alaska Pipeline built into the lodge’s timber frame. Then, we took a photograph in front of the world-renowned waterfalls. We savored a delectable meal in the dining room, which offered dramatic, awe-inspiring vistas overlooking the magnificent waterfalls.

Tonight’s dinner was in The Restaurant.