Sitka and Icy Point Strait
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It was a great sail to Sitka as the water was like glass and we even saw our first whale! The scenery was amazing as we passed
Baranhof Island, a 100 mille long Island that consists mainly of the Tongrass National Forest. It is home to the Tingit Native Americans, has been part
of the Russian Empire, supported a pulp mill and was and is a fishing industry destination. On arrival we were met by a dancer from The New Archangel
Dancers dressed in colourful Russian clothes to celebrate the Russian Heritage. A bus was on the dock to transport us to the Town Centre and the Harrigan
Centennial Hall where a museum, quilt display and information was located. From here we set off to explore the town full of shops, a Russian Orthodox Church
and souvenir shops. Then off to walk around the harbour front taking in the wonderful scenery and the many boats in the water. The mountain backdrop over the water has to be seen to be believed. The dormant volcano Mt Edgecumbe provides a spectacular sight!
We booked a local tour on the dock and this proved to be an excellent idea! We met our tour guide and first stop was over the
main bridge to the Sitka Naval Operating Base, the only military defence base of the North Pacific at the start of World War 11..
It is now a University and students come from all over to attend. There are always eagles on the poles here so it was good to see them.
Then a drive to the Sitka National Historic Park, to do a bush walk and see the Totem Park and the flowing river that supports salmon in season.
The vegetation was so interesting to hear about and soon we were on on a lovely drive to see The Fortress of the Bears. Stopping along
the way to check out the fabulous vistas and our guide knew we would see more eagles as well here. Brilliant! Then off to see The Fortress of the Bears. This is an educational bear rescue centre about 5kms from Sitka. There are 8 brown and black bears here that visitors can see from a raised walkway. They are so playful and well cared for that it looked like they were someones pets. Not sure how that would be if they were out and about!! Unfortunately it was time to leave as we had a ship to catch, what a great visit this was..
Icy point Strait
Icy Point Strait was our next stop and what a surprise! Here is Alaska's largest Huna Tingit Village quite near the township of Hoonah.
On arrival we had to tender off the ship which was very easy and walk through the new facility that has given the village a new lift. Cruise ships
call in and bring tourists who in turn support the village by using the activities and shopping and using the restaurants here. What a lovely atmosphere!
After checking the shops we chose to walk the nature trail and see what there was to see. The people here were fisherman and timber loggers but
tourism has become very important.
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One of the most exciting things here was the opportunity to ride the longest Zipline in the Northern Hemisphere. How could Gary resist
so off he went to buy his ticket. The ZipRider Tour gives you a wonderful panoramic view from the top of the mountain. The trip consists of an
hour ride up the mountain in a bus hearing about the history and culture. The line itself is 1300 feet above sea level at the entry station and its
5330 feet to the base of the beach below. Once belted into the Zipline seat it only takes a few seconds it seems to come down the line at extreme speed.
Fabulous experience and exciting for us waiting at the bottom. The only problem was we didn't know when they were coming down!! A look of relief was
on Gary's face when his feet reached the ground...then we were off to walk back to the wharf when a local resident told us there was a whale coming
in the strait so wait and see. How lovely to see nature in action. Then back to the wharf where a lady wanted us to buy a cooked crab, their speciality.
However we had popcorn prawns for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed them! Nothing could be as nice!! But time to go back to our tender and return to the ship
for our onwards journey. Great Day!
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