50 Years of Serving

                                          50 Years of Serving Alaska

As we start the summer season, the Alaska Marine Highway starts it's 50th year of service. The first commissioned ship in the fleet was the M/V Malaspina, which come out of the yard with a special paint job for the celebration. The Alaska Marine Highway now has a fleet of 11 ships that play a vital role in southeast Alaska, as it is one of the most efficient ways to transport freight, passengers and vehicles in and out of the smaller communities that make up the Inside Passage.

The Alaska Marine Highway(AMH) has a route of 3,500 miles (5,600 km) and runs from Bellingham,Wash. up the Inside Passage to Skagway, Ak. and west out to the  Aleutian Chain. You can also catch the Alaska Marine Highway at its terminal in Prince Rupert, B.C., Canada. The ferries serves communities in Southeast Alaska that have no road access, and the vessels transport people, freight, and vehicles. The AMH carries around 350,000 passengers and 100,000 vehicles every year.

The Alaska Marine Highway is a great way to take in all the beauty that the Inside Passage has to offer. All the main vessels have accommodations, but some like to camp out in the solarium and the fresh air. One of the great benefits of traveling on the AMH system is that you are able to get off at any port and explore it for a day or two or until the next vessel calls and takes you on your way to the next stop on your trip.

With the celebration of  the Alaska Marine Highway they are offering some special rates for travel. You can get all the information you will need to plan you trip to Alaska on their web site,  http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/ . So, if you have been wishing and wanting to visit Alaska, this the year to do it. Hope to see you in Ketchikan!

Till Then,

K-townKing

   

K-town's Totems

Chief Kayan Pole In Whale Park

 Ketchikan is home to a large collection of totem poles both original and replicas. Totems played a very large part in the local Native culture of Southeast Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Ketchikan is fortunate to have three tribes of natives in and around the Ketchikan area. They are, the Tlingit, the Haida and the Tsimshian and each have their own unique styles and technics for their art.

 

There are individual totem poles scattered all around downtown Ketchikan, but there are 3 parks that have great collections of replica totems and the Totem Heritage Center has a display of original totem poles and pieces of poles in their museum. The Heritage Center is in the city and all the totem parks are outside the city.  

There are 2 totem parks located about 10 miles north of K-town. The most popular is an Alaska State Park, Totem Bight State Historical Park. This park was created back in the 1930's and was constructed by the CCC(Civilian Conservation Corps)  boys. They were mostly local Native carvers and craftsmen. The park is a replica of a 18th century Tlingit clan village and consists of a clan house and about a dozen totem poles.
Right next door to Totem Bight is a newer park which is also quite impressive. It's the Potlatch Park and it has a carving shed, where you might catch a master carver working his magic, and Russian Museum. Both of these parks would make a great excursion when you are visiting Ketchikan.

Totem Bight Clan House

The 3rd totem park is located 2 1/2 miles south of K-town and is in the City of Saxman. This park is run by the city and there is a fee to view the park. The park is well cared for and the totems are kept up nicely. There are around 15 poles within the park and they have a small collection of pictographs, which are cool. 

Winter on Totem Row Saxman

So if you have an interest in totem poles and the many tales and stories they tell, be sure to visit one or all 4 of the totem exhibits on your visit to Ketchikan.

Till Next Time,

K-townKing 

   

Cruising to Alaska-What to Look For in a Cruise Line.

Are you planning a cruise to Alaska this summer? If so, you are not a lone. The season has just gotten under way and K-town has had ships in port everyday since May 6. This is just the start as Ketchikan will have more than 800,000 visitors from the cruise ships alone. If you have never been on a cruise, you may be wondering what activities, facilities, and services can be found onboard. The activities found onboard will vary from one ship to another, but many cruise ships have a number of activities and services in common.
Cruises to Alaska are a popular vacation choice. Instead of visiting a beach,an amusement park, or going camping, more people are making the decision to book an Alaskan cruise. If you're interested in taking  an Alaskan cruise vacation, there are a number of decisions you must make. One of those decisions is finding a cruise line to vacation on.
Selecting a cruise line to vacation on may seem an easy decision, but for many it's not. There are a large number of cruise lines currently offering vacation cruises to Alaska. To find the cruise line that will offer what you want, you are encouraged to research and fully examine all of your choices. This should include examining well-known and lesser known cruise lines.
Some of the most well-know facilities found on cruise ships are dining halls, restaurants, and cafeterias. Large cruise ships may offer a number of onboard dining facilities. It's important to note that many of these dining facilities are considered upscale restaurants. In addition to a sit-down restaurant, there are usually a number of small eateries located onboard. Elegant dining restaurants are popular among cruises. To ensure that you are able to enjoy an elegant meal, you are encouraged to schedule a reservation as soon as you board ship.
Aside from dining facilities, bars and dance halls are also found on most cruise ships. As with most of the bars and dance halls found at home, there maybe age restrictions in place. If you are traveling with your family, they may have to complete other activities while you enjoy the nightlife at sea. If this should occur, you are in luck because most cruise ships have daycare centers and other activities geared towards children of all ages.
When examining each cruise ship line, I encourage you to view the company's online websites. These websites are sources of valuable information. In addition to learning about activities offered onboard, you can often take a virtual tour of the ship. This tour will give an idea as to what you should expect from a particular ship. If you don't have access to the internet, contact a cruise line representative.
Selecting a cruise line to vacation on is almost as important as the cruise ship itself. I encourage you to review feedback from previous customers. This feedback can easily be obtained online.You should also examine the cost of your Alaska cruise. You'll see that a number of cruise lines charge higher prices for their cruises. Your ability to afford these fees should be examined closely.
Take your time to research and examine each cruise line before coming to a decision. I also encourage you to take what you have learned and apply it to what you want and need out of your vacation. Doing so will ensure that you book a cruise with a cruise line that can provide what you want.

Hope to see you in Ketchikan, Alaska this summer,

the K-townking

Tips in Fishing for Salmons in SE. Alaksa

Southern Southeast Alaska is known as one of the most bountiful areas with salmon and is ideal for fishing trips.

This is because of the extreme tides along the West Coast and the gush of ocean currents that create an environment ideal for the breeding of thousands of bait-fish.

It is also known as one of the the world's best spots to go if you're wanting to fish for a giant King Salmon, the largest of the six species of Pacific salmon.

The best way to catch one of these giant salmon (in saltwater) is through trolling or angling a bait line into the water.

Fishing for these giants can be a year round activity as the "white" or "Winter" King Salmon show up through the winter months.

The most sought after species of salmon are the following :

1. The King Salmon(Chinook) are the largest of all the salmon species. Its weight can average between 20-40 pounds, the heaviest on record is 112 pounds, and can be as long as 3-4". It has a blue-green back that is lightly spotted. The average life span of a King Salmon is about 5-7 year. Their flesh can range from an ivory white to a deep red.

There are several nicknames for the Chinook Salmon and they are: King, tyee, springs and tule.

2. Silver Salmon(Coho) are a smaller salmon that weigh in at between 8-12 pounds. This specie prefers to spawn in the smaller streams between July and November.

3.Sockeye Salmon on the other hand are the most sought after of the entire species because the flesh has such deep red color and a firm rich taste.

When fishing for salmon in SE. Alaska, be sure that your well equipped, have the right equipment and dress appropriately.

Listed below are some of the things should have with you.

1. You should dress in layers of warm clothes . Try not to make them to bulky, as this could hinder your fishing activities.

2. Over these everyday clothes, wear some type of waterproof overall and a jacket. A good pair of waterproof boots would not hurt. By staying dry you will enjoy yourself much more.

3. When visiting SE. Alaska most the lodges and charter boat operators supply all you need to catch that SE. Alaska salmon.

So, what are you waiting for? The fishing is about to get really good.

See Ya On The Water, K-townking

The Wizard Come to K-town

Starting tomorrow, Nov. 5th and running through Sun. the 8th, the First City Player's will be performing the "Wizard of Oz" on the stage of Ketchikan High School. The performance will start at 7:30PM each night and will end Sunday with a matinee at 2:30PM. This sure to be a great time to get the family together and enjoy a performance by the thespians of K-town and their dog too. Hope to see you there on opening night. K-townking


PS: Sorry for the short notice, to many projects, need to FOCUS,FOCUS again.

The Last Trip of Summer

It's always a sad part of the summer when the "Northern Dream" has made her last trip and must prepare for the long winter away from the water.This picture of her at anchor in Thorn Arm was on her last trip of the season.

My buddy from Long Island, N.Y. has been coming to Alaska for over 15 years that I know of. In that time he has taken the "Dream" from one end of the Inside Passage to the other and back. He shows up just like the salmon, in May, ready for his various adventures with his pals from back east and us locals, when we find time in our busy(BS) schedules, and then he leaves at the end of August, with his summers catch and the memories of yet another summer spent in SE. Alaska.
I have never had a bad trip on the "Dream", she has always been true to her name. There have been a few where the conditions have been unfavorable, but that was not of her doing. She has always come through the storm and brought us safely back home. Her skipper has barely made it back to N.Y. and if I know him, he can't wait till next summer. Here's hopping your winter is full of FUN!!! See Ya then you ol' Salt!!! K-townking

PS. Thanks for the Shrimp, they were deeeliciuos

Gorgeous Sunsets

If I needed a reason for living in Southeast Alaska, the photo here, should give you one of them. Sunsets can be just gorgeous. With so many different shades of this color and that color, that makes it difficult to capture the true beauty of the scene. With the sky, so alive with it's color show, you have a tendency to forget about the water, the way it captures the colors itself. It can make for some real awesome shots. So as you tour through the inter-coastal waters of the Panhandle, be sure to have a camera at the ready and add some color to your memories of your trip to Southeast Alaska. Enjoy, K-townking

.2 lbs. Makes McQueen Winner

I told you the Derby has been won on more then 1 occasion, on the last day. Why should this year be any different? On Sunday, June 7, 2009, before 8 AM, the Leader in the Derby changed for the last time, when Dan McQueen weighted in his 44.2 lb. King salmon and beat out Mark Toldfelt, by .2 lb. Not only did Dan knock Mark out of 1st place for the largest fish, but he also knocked him out of the lead for the "Largest fish caught in a 16' or smaller boat". So another Ketchikan King Salmon Derby comes to an end. You can see all the results at Ketchikan King Salmon Derby website.
Congratulations to all those who participated and didn't win. I hope you all enjoyed your time on the water, better luck next year.

KINGS are a runnin'

Reports from the water front a few days ago, say that someone on Thursday caught a 42lb. King salmon. Today, everybody and their brothers were busy putting their boats in the water. Of course, not till after treating their MOTHERS to a nice, somebody else cooked it, meal. There were lots of boats out at the Point when I passed by on the way from work this evening. Folks will start gearing up for the Derby(see 5/8s Post) and be on the water fishin' almost everyday, testing for what is attracting the Derby winner. If your lucky enough to be making a stop in Ketchikan on the week-ends of between Memorial Day weekend and the 7th of June, you too may have the opportunity to catch the Big Winner yourself. So, stop by and drop a line, you never know!!! You just might win $10,000 big ones.
Well, today was the last day that Ketchikan will be without a cruise ship making a stop until, some time in September. We will have at lease one ship a day and on the big days, 5-6 ships, we will have over 10,000 people visiting K-town. Those are, to be very honest, pure Hell. These passengers are put into a downtown area that is about 6 square blocks and it gets pretty crazy for about 8hrs. and then it's normal, or what passes for normal around K-town. Those are the days that you can't make it to your favorite watering hole fast enough, to unwind from your day. But, that's what we live for and it's only for 5 months.
Hey,no one took me to brunch and it's time to eat, so till tomorrow; K-townking

FISH ON !!!!!!!

This is the time of year that sold me on living in this great state of Alaska. I had never fished on the ocean before and to be quite honest, it was a little scary, but once I got out there, that was another ball game all together. The smell of the salt air, your surrounded by the natural beauty that is Alaska, the wildlife you can see, and the thrill of catching a big King Salmon, there's nothing more fun. Although, it's not as easy as one might think. You have to put in your time, in order to catch the real "BIG" fish that are out there. That's why folks spend soooo.... much time out there. In order to catch the "BIG" one, it is said you must put in an average of 20 hours trolling for them, before you may be lucky enough to land one. May is also the month that the Ketchikan King Salmon Derby starts. The 62nd Derby starts on the Saturday before Memorial Day and ends in 2 weeks on Sunday. Now, your only allowed to fish for derby fish on the weekends, no fish are counted during the days in between. The grand prize is well over 10,ooo dollars in cash and prizes. The Derby is sponsored by the Ketchikan CHARR Educational Fund,Inc and they use the proceeds from the Derby to fund their scholarship program.
Now, what I really like fishing for are Halibut. This is one of the many bottom dweller that we enjoy. Others are several types of cods, that most don't like catching but are, actually, quite good eating. I can say for a fact that, Smoked Black Cod is my favorite. Fishing for halibut is often quick and easy, that's why I enjoy it most. If you have a favorite spot,hole, or what ever, you can, 9 out of 10 times, get there, drop your hook to the bottom and have a fish before you set the pole. Now, that's fishing. It's not like that very time,but if you have a spot, you can find fish. I have gone out and limited out in less then 2 hours. The hardest part of fishing, is the work one must do when you get your catch home.
Living in SE. Alaska, we are fortunate to have all 5 species of Pacific Salmon to fish for during the the long days of summer. We can start fishing in April and fish all the way into October for these fun catching, great eating creatures. With it light till almost 11 PM, lots of folks will make a evening of it and go out for a few hours after work. There are all kinds of ways to put your catch up for the winter and the people of SE.Alaska spend many hours smoking, drying, caning, jarring and vacuum packing their fish. Oh, I forgot the best part, SHARING their product with their family and friends.
So, get off the couch, put the boat in the water, call me and lets GO FISHIN'
K-townking

Getting to K-town

Now, I should have done this sooner, but no one asked me. So, better late then never. If your planning to visit Ketchikan, there are just three ways to get here. The first and most popular is on a cruise. This how the majority of the yearly visitors arrive in K-town. The cruise ships bring about 800,000 people to visit us. There are several different cruise ship companies that offer a variety of tour packages, Holland America and Princess Cruises are among the leaders in cruises to Alaska. You can either contact your local travel agent or the cruise companies for the details. They have all types of packages for all types of budgets. In the past few years the cruise ships have made it very affordable, so that whole families are now taking a cruise through SE. Alaska and more.
The second way to arrive in K-town is by ferry. The ferries are run by the State of Alaska. The Alaska Marine Highway has around 9 state ferries, they are all named after different glaciers within the state. This is a great way to travel if your into taking your time and enjoying yourself. With ferry travel your able to get off along the way and grab the next ferry going your direction. Lots of folks put their RV's or personal vehicle on and then travel at their leisure. You can catch the ferries in a couple of different places, either Bellingham,Washington or Prince Rupert,B.C. Canada. You can check out the ferry schedule at: www.FerryAlaska.com, or you can call 1-800-642-0066 for all the info you need.
The third and finale way to arrive in K-town is by air. Now the only airline that services Ketchikan is, you guessed it, Alaska Airlines. In the summer we have about 9 daily flights in and out of K-town. So, just check with either your travel agent or Alaska Airlines for all the flight information.
O.K., now you know how to get here, so why are you not on your way? You know that you've wanted to visit for some time, why not make it this year. It's not to late but, if you don't act now it just might be. When you do come, look me up and we'll have a cold one together.
Till later: K-townking

Breathe Taking

When you are in K-town there are an endless number of things to see and do, but for me, one of the most exciting and breathe taking, is to take a flight into the Misty Fjords National Monument. I have done this several times in the pass 30 yrs of living in Southeast Alaska. Each and every time I've been back there, there has been something special about the flight into the Misty's. I have been fortunate to have always seen some type of wildlife on the flights, from Grizzles to Mountain Goats to whales to Black bear. This is a big reason that most folks take the flight and even though the pilots can't guarantee you'll see any wildlife, their very good at finding them.
There are several very good Flightseeing outfits in the Ketchikan. The flightseeing tours can be from 1 1/2 to 2 hours. So, check them out and chose the one that offers the tour your interested in. Believe me on this one, you will not be disappointed.
Now, if your the real adventurous type you can rent or bring your own kayak and spend as much time as you have to go into the Misty's and paddle around and really get the full enjoyment of the back country. In K-town there are several outfitters that will help you with all that it takes to enjoy a safe and fun adventure in the Misty Fjord National Monument.
It's another beautiful day in K-town, the sun's out, it's about 65* and I hear my bike callin' me "Come ride me,ride me". See Ya in the Wind; K-townking

FIRST SHIP CALLS

The first ship of the season arrived yesterday morning and brought about 1,400 passengers to visit K-town and they were welcomed with a fairly nice day. The sun was out and the temperature was in the low 50's. There was a good breeze, so it felt more like 40, but for this time of year we'll take it over rain and blowing.

Now, that the season is going and your planning your trip to K-town, let me answer the question that I hear most often when people approach me looking for things to do while in K-town. That would be "What is there to see and do in Ketchikan ?" Now, no matter how many times I hear this, it just baffles me. There is soooooooo.. much to see and do, that I have a hard time deciding where to start. Depending on how much time you have, it differs from ship to ship,but most port calls in K-town are between 6 and 8 hrs, and what your budget is, the possibilities are endless. First, you must decide if you would like to take a tour of the area, or if you just want to see it on your own. Do you want to try and see wildlife, visit the Totem parks, go flightseeing, and on and on. The very best place to start is by visiting the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau. In there are several different tour operators, from sightseeing tours,flightseeing, kayaking, to fishing charters to the horse drawn trolley. You can rent a car and see K-town on your own also, the real adventurous can take a tour on a Harley-Davidson.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, you can spend your time doing and seeing all that Ketchikan has to offer, or you can do a little and spend your time meeting the locals at one of the the few watering holes in the downtown area. I always suggest the Sourdough Bar, not because of the fine company there(Larry and the crew will treat you well and their fun), but because of the collection of ship wreck photos that Larry has accumulated over the years. It's said that it is the largest on the west coast.
Now here is my list of things that I recommend that you should do when in K-town:
1. Take a tour, whether it's by bus, van, or taxi, DO IT!! Most of the tours are about 1 1/2 - 2 hours long by bus or van or by taxi. Taxi tours are recommended for quick and informative town tours, half hour covers most of the highlights and then you can decide what to spend the remainder of you time doing. Most of the drivers live here year round and most are very informative and knowledgeable of the K-town area.

2. Ketchikan Historical Museum, always something interesting about K-town

3. Totem Heritage Center, 31 pieces of Totem Poles and original Totems from surrounding areas.

4. The Discovery Center. Ran by the US Forest Service details the Tongass National Forest,
which happens to be the largest National Forest in the U.S.

5. Visit the many Native galleries. This is very inspiring and will give insight to the 3 Native
Tribes that have been at home in K-town for centuries.

6. GO and DO SOMETHING FUN!!!

Well, that's enough for now, it's nice and warm, so I'm going to go for a putt. See Ya in the Wind;K-townking

Happy Easter

This is just to wish you all a very safe and HAPPY EASTER!!!!! Hope that bunny was good to all of you and didn't make searching for the eggs to tough on ya!!!

The K-townking

Gearing Up

Things are getting busy around K-town. The streets are being cleaned, the docks are getting fresh paint, the shops are receiving their merchandise to start the summer with. It seems we are all gearing up for the season one way or another.
People are making room in their freezers for this years fresh catches. The long liners had their first opening of their season. It's still slow going, but with the price they will be getting, if they catch just a couple good size fish each time out they'll make some money. I can't wait to get some fresh fish. A nice King salmon would make a great bar-b-cue right about now. Everything is so much better fresh, da. I'm really looking forward to some fresh black cod, it's so good smoked, if you could only keep it lit. HA HA!!
I noticed that the skunk cabbage has sprouted and is letting the world know that it's back. If you've never seen it check the pictures. When it's at it's peak the leafs can be as long as 4' x 2'. The Natives used it to wrap their fish in and bake it in the coals of their fires. The process gives the fish a peppery taste, that is quite good exactly.
It's late and I have had a full day for a day off, so till next time,Be Good or Be Good at it!
K-townking

Happy Equinox

Happy Equinox!!!!! AAAAHHH!!! Just about everyone I've had a conversation with in the few days have had enough winter to last a couple of years. No joke, we live in a rainforest and are use to the rain, but all this snow has us all wishin' and a hopein that it warms up and washes it all into the sea. I hope the Earth has tilted enough to bring the warmer weather. Mother Nature must be preparing for lots of salmon to return to the creeks and rivers with all the snow she has placed upon the mountains this winter. She dumped another 6" last night. It made for a beautiful morning, the trees were all covered and hanging down. The sun came out and made it great for some photo opportunities, which I took full advantage of. The snowmobilers were seen heading for the trails. Good for them I say. The past years haven't been all that nice to them. That's all for now, got a class. Later, K-townking

Still Waiting

Well, I wish the 21st would be tomorrow, because then I'd know that it was Spring and I could quit wishing for it to come. Mother Nature is being a mean ol' hag, she dropped about 5" of the white stuff on us yesterday and they keep calling for more. I know Spring is not far off though, because I saw some crocuses peeking through the white stuff as I drove through downtown on Tuesday. Today was not bad, sunshine for most of the morning and the better part of the afternoon. Haven't seen any steelhead trout in Ketchikan Creek yet either. They should be here soon also, can't wait. Fly fishing for them is beyond fun. Well, 5AM comes mighty early, so I'm out of here. Till next time, K-townking

The Herring Egg Rain Came

Today felt a little more like Spring around Ketchikan. After yesterdays storm, man it blew like a banshie, today was fairly tolerable. It was good to have the rain, as it washed most of the snow away. Granted, it was still on the cool side,but the sun did peek from behind the clouds enough to make me brake out the ol' sunglasses. It's the time of year when those who enjoy hooligans are biding their time, waiting for the first boat to hit the decks. People just go nuts about getting their share of these oily little fish. A boat can sell out in no time, so you'd best be johnny on the spot. They fry'em, smoke'em and the Natives make a foul smelling grease form them and some folks still use them as candles. They put it on any and everything, the grease that is. I myself can't get pass the smell. Along with the hooligans also comes the herring. They come to spawn in the area and many folks gather the eggs. Some gather them on branches or on kelp. The Japanese pay big bucks for herring eggs on kelp. The eggs are very small and delicate. At this time of year we receive showers of hail the size of herring eggs, the older fisherman and locals call them Herring Egg Rains. Just one of many signs of Spring in Southeast Alaska. I can't wait to get some of those eggs on branches, boy, my mouth is watering just thinking about them. Till next time: K-townking

Sprang into Spring

To be honest I goofed up this weekend. When I set the clocks ahead, I set the ones in the kitchen and living room, but put off the alarm clock in the bedroom till bed time. You know where this going, don't you? That's right, I was an hour late for work the next morning. I awoke to yet, another picturesque day in K-town. I was almost tempted to call in well and spend the day with my camera and dog in the woods, increasing my photo collection, but I've done that to many days lately. We are having way to many of these nice days for this time of year. I find great pleasure, this time of year, in knowing that tomorrow will be 4minutes and what-ever seconds longer then today and I can do this until June 21. Just one of many little quirks I enjoy.
It seems even though we've just sprang forward, Spring was there just waiting for it to take place, because I saw my first robin and cardinal yesterday. Can't wait for geese and hummingbirds to show. It also seems that the Eagle population has increased in the last week, another sure sign Spring is here. Although it isn't Spring until the crocus and daffodil's are up and in blossom. That's just my opinion. I had a friends daughter brush my dog "Luke" the other day and she left the hair in the yard, well later in the day, I heard Luke making quite the fuss, so I went to see what he was fussing about and out in the yard was an eagle with a mouth full of the hair. So, their adding to their nest and readying for this seasons chick(s). It was a photo I wish I could have gotten, better luck next time. Hey, I need to go, later; K-townking

What's up with this Weather????

I am totally baffled by the fact that K-town is experiencing one of the best and enjoyable February's, I have had the pleasure to witness. Had the last 27 of them been half as nice as this one has been, I wouldn't be trying to find away to not be here for the month. The down side is that we are in near drought conditions around here. Usually February is nothing but rain and snow and wind and just plain CRAP!! We have had, I'm willing to guess, two and a half weeks of clear and cold. It's made watching the Northern Lights wonderful. Lots of the nights have been good for catching them. Well, I'm babbling and my dog just brought me his lease, so he's ready for his walk.
Later On, K-townking