Solomon J Parker: Alaskan Cruise, Part II

Two months ago, I posted a blog entry about my Alaskan cruise in May (http://solomonjparker.blogspot.com/2013/06/juneau-what-i-mean.html). That post was about our time in Juneau, the capital of Alaska. The pictures below are from the remainder of our Alaskan cruise.

After leaving Juneau, the next stop on the cruise ship was Glacier Bay National Park. A park ranger boarded the ship and provided information about the park, history of glaciers, wildlife, and names of glaciers. We went onto the deck of the ship to view the glaciers. Glacier Bay was a wonderful site. We were able to see pieces of the glaciers breaking off into the water.

The next stop was Sitka. Sitka was the original capital of Alaska. Located on Baranov Island, there are no roads that lead to other parts of Alaska. We found out by talking with locals that people get to Sitka via plane or boat. From cruise ship, we tethered a small vessel to the town. We did not spend very long in Sitka, but it was very evident that this town has a rich history of culture (Russian influence) and religion (Orthodox Christianity) as evidence with St. Michael's Cathedral. This church was the first Orthodox Church in the Western Hemisphere and built prior to Alaska's statehood. A fire consumed the church in 1966 and much of the original structure, reliefs, books, etc were lost. While we were touring the church, one of the patrons was present with his wife. I overheard him talking with a tourist about being a child and running inside the burning the church trying to save various artifacts.

From Sitka, we went to Ketchikan. Ketchikan was one of my favorite places of the cruise other than Victoria, Canada. We did not take any of the tours at Ketchikan, but walked around the town. Ketchikan was absolutely beautiful with the various totem poles, snow capped mountains, and buildings. I only wish that we were able to see the salmon swimming up the creeks (the season had not started yet). I can say that my life was forever changed in Ketchikan. I finally tried crab legs.