The Geese Have Returned

Although we have some geese the winter in the Ketchikan area. One of the many things that excites me about spring in SE. Alaska is the return of the thousands of geese that migrate through on their way north. You can sit for hours some days and watch flock after flock flying in their "V" formations over the Tongass Narrows. It's a real thrill to hear them honk, honking from miles away and then to catch site of them off in the distant. The really large flocks can look like a swarm of black dots or the edge of storm clouds rolling in coming right at you. There are many small lakes on the islands that surround Ketchikan, there are over 100 on Revillagigido Island, so we get plenty of visitors who stop for some well deserved rest before continuing their journey north.
When the geese arrive it is also the time that many of the hummingbirds start showing up. Don't know if it's true or not , but I've been told that the hummingbirds exactly hitchhike on the backs of the geese to save their energy on the long flight to SE. Alaska. Anyway, it makes for good conversation.

Till next Time
KtownKing

Hiking In K-town

3001 Foot Deer Mountain

When most folks think of Alaska, they think "adventure" and there are many adventures to be had in K-town on your visit. So many that you may have a hard time deciding which one's to enjoy. One of these many adventures is hiking. There are several trails within a short drive to explore, from the trails out at Ward Lake and Settlers Cove in the Tongass National Forest to the Beaver Falls and Sylvis Lake trails out on the southend. But the two I'm going to let you in on are less than five minutes from the docks downtown. They are the Deer Mountain Trail and the new Rainbird Trail.

One of my favorite trails is the Deer Mountain Trail. Over the 30 years I've lived in K-town I've hiked this trail dozens of times. The first time in the dark, a story for another time. I simply love it. It's 2.5 miles from the trail head to the summit. The trail head is about 1.5 miles from the docks and is all up hill, duh. I would suggest saving your energy for the trail and take a taxi to the trail head. It's under ten dollars from the docks. 

This is the trail to hike if you want to spend your day enjoying the wonders of an old growth forest, spotting birds and wildlife, great scenery and unbelievable views of Ketchikan, the Tongass Narrows and the surrounding islands. In my younger days I could do it in 1.5 hours(under 50), but the last time it took over 3 hours of huffin' and puffin' to make it.

Now this is not an easy hike, it's rated difficult, but don't let that stop you. This is because the trail has many steep switchbacks, rocky and uneven surfaces. Like most trails found in southeast Alaska the terrain varies from gravel to wooden stairs and boardwalks, stone steps, small creeks and muskeg. In spots it may be very muddy and may still have snow early in the season. The weather can be another factor, it can change quickly and become quite foggy or rainy. So be sure to dress in layers and don't forget a waterproof jacket.

Rainbird Trailhead

Rainbird Trail start @ ASU Campus

The newest trail in K-town is the Rainbird Trail, ok, it's not really new. But lots of people didn't know about it till the by pass was built. I use this trail for my quick work outs. If you have kids and they need to burn off ship boredom this will do. As in going to Deer Mountain, I suggest taking a taxi to the trail head, it's about 9 dollars and you save your energy for the hike.

The trail is about 1.5 miles long and has been rated as "moderate". The trail head is located at the UAS campus on Jackson St. and runs high above the 3rd Ave by-pass back towards downtown. Even though the trail has been resurfaced in resent years, it is still typical of hiking trails found in southeast Alaska. It starts with a slight incline and is made up of gravel, wooden stair steps, stone steps, tree roots and a small creek or two to cross.

On the trail you will walk through old growth forest with plenty of the local foliage to view along the way including skunk cabbage, salmon berries, blueberries and ferns. There are also plenty of birds. Eagles, ravens, woodpeckers, stellar jays and many more. You may even run into a Sitka blacktail deer or a black bear, you never know.  

Again, it's best to dress in layers and have your jacket handy if it starts to rain. Take along some water and your cell phone if you carry one. There's no need to think about getting lost. If you'll begin you adventure by stopping at the Ketchikan Visitors Information Center, you can pick up a free personal locator beacon. If you do become lost just activate it and it sends a distress signal and GPS location that is picked up by the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad. When you've finished your adventure simply return it to the center.

Well, I wish you good hiking and hope to see ya in K-town some time this summer.

Till Next Time,

K-townKing

PS.  For a great tour when in Ketchikan check out yourktowntour.com

I Love This Time of Year

Spring Time in Southeast Alaska

I love this time of year in SE. Alaska. Spring, I start looking for it around Thanksgiving. After my first winter I was ready to pack it in and head for drier pastures. But along come spring and it's what really sold me on staying in this pristine part of Alaska. No matter how miserable the winter, how badly you suffered from cabin fever, the first days of spring are welcomed warmly. I can't speak for everyone, but for me, the energy just leaps from me. This morning I awoke to the sound of song birds instead of the crunching of snow and ice under the passing vehicles. Even though the snow is lingering and the temperature is on the chilly side, there where many folks up and at'em, as evident on my morning walk. It was so enjoyable that I extended it by visiting Ward Lake and taking a stroll along the creek. Ya got to love it!

Along Ward Lake Creek

I wasn't the only one with the feeling of spring, it was apparent all through Ketchikan this fine morning. Downtown, they where busy pressure washing the grim of winter off several buildings, as well I saw several people cleaning the windows of their businesses. With only a few short weeks until the first cruise ship visitors, there is a lot to do before they arrive.

Speaking of a lot to do, I need to finish my laundry, so that'll do for now. If you haven't been out and experienced SPRING, GET OUTSIDE!!!


 SPRING ON & ENJOY,
the K-TOWN KING

Spring is Here

Light Spring Dusting

You all know the saying "Spring Time in Alaska It's 40 Below", well it's not quite that chilly, but spring has brought a lite dusting of snow and 20 degree temps for the last two days. This typical for this time of year in SE Alaska. It's the time of year when the fishermen (and fisherwomen) are gearing up for the Herring fishery(bait herring) and have been fishing for the first fresh halibut of the year. The trollers are still on the water looking to catch the elusive winter king salmon, one of my favorites.

Bringing Down Old Visitor Center

New Ketchikan Public Library

 These aren't the only folks in SE that are hard at work. In Ketchikan, we are busy finishing up the projects that have been in the works all winter. Over the winter the locals have seen 2 buildings demolished and the opening of our new library. The library was started last summer early fall and was completed just before Christmas and opened to the public in mid-January this year. 
Because of the improvements being made to the dock, the visitors bureau was brought down and the NEW   visitors center is being raised and should be ready for the first cruise ship visitors of the season. These are just the major projects, there are many smaller ones going to make your visit to Ktown as enjoyable as possible.

Ketchikan's First Hospital and Bawden St. Apts.

  We also lost a little bit of Ketchikan history over the winter the old "Bawden St. Apts." building was finally torn down and the eyesore will no longer be seen. The building started out as the Ketchikan General Hospital back in 1924( I have many friends that were born there) and functioned until a newer hospital was built in the mid '50's, it was then remodeled and ended as the apartment building. Sad to see it go! 

Well that's it for now, be sure to check back to see what's happening K-Town.

Till Then,
Shane, the K-Town King

Alaska State Parks

     I'll bet you didn't know that the State of Alaska operates 139 state parks. You did? Good for you! They have divided the state into 7 sections each with several camp sites, they are,Chugach State Park(21sites), Northern(15sites), Kenai(35sites), Southwest(2sites), Kodiak(6sites), Mat-su/Copper River Basin(18sites) and Southeast with 42 sites. Now the sites will very from site to site, some will have rustic cabins with a wood stove, benches, bunks (no mattresses), table, chairs, and kitchen counter. Outside furnishings usually include a fireplace/grill, and latrine. Cooking stove, firewood, and drinking water are not provided. There is a rental fee for most sites, it ranges from $20-$70 per night depending on the night and the season. You may find more info by contacting the Alaska State Parks at, www.alaskastateparks.org.
I'm going to talk about a couple of the Alaska State Parks in the Southeast section, mainly because that's where I live and write about here at "K-townking",( maybe not as often as I should, it is fishing time!!!) . The first Alaska State Park is one that I highly recommend "Totem Bight State Park". This state park has been around since the 1938. It was developed using funds from the "Civilian Conservation Corps"(CCC). Older skilled Native carvers were hired for the project, two things took place: the younger artisan learned the art of carving totem poles, and totems left in the woods to go back to the earth were either repaired or duplicated.

   If your visiting Ketchikan on a cruise ship this is one of the places I recommend to all the tourist  who ask me "What is there to see?". You'll get some fresh air, exercise, and learn something all in one Great park. There are 15 totem poles in the park and a clan house, which is an amazing building its self. One of the reasons I recommend and enjoy "Totem Bight" is its location. It was developed on a site were Natives once come to spend the summer. They would harvest the foliage, fish and other foods of the area. You can get the feel of what once was, I do. So, when your visiting K-town be sure to find a way to "Totem Bight Alaska State Park", you'll enjoy it!

Hope to See Ya in K-town,

  K-townKing

Sping Coming On Fast

Well, I've been seeing signs that winter is almost done with and spring is just around the corner. And it's time to plan that summer trip to Alaska. I have been searching the web and there are some outstanding deals out there. Check with your favorite travel agent and come on up for a visit. Keep checking with the K-townking for all the great places to see and Fun Things to do on your visit to Ketchikan, Alaska.

T'is the Season

Man, I can't believe how fast the year has flown by. It's really been one filled with learning alot of new things and having a ton of FUN doing it. If someone had told me this time last year that I would have accomplished the things I have, I would have told them they were NUTS!! I hope those of you who have taken the time to read this blog will continue to follow the K-townking and that you will learn a little about Ketchikan, Ak. and some of the many things to do and see when you visit SE. Alaska. Whether you come by cruise ship, plane, Alaska state ferry, or your own boat this is the place to learn about our BIG little town, of Ketchikan, Alaska.
I know that things have been on the slack side here lately, but life got in the way and I needed some down time. So, now that I'm all rested and ready to get back at it, things will start rolling along shortly after the HOLIDAYS. I want to wish all of you the very best that the season has to offer. May you all find PEACE and HAPPINESS in the coming year, make it a good one, I know I will.

MERRY CHRISTMAS &
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!

Till Then, K-townking

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