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

   

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

It' A Dogs Life

As the "Dog Days of Summer" approach, these two seem to have the right idea. Just kick back and watch the tourist go by from their birds eye view in the historical Bayside Hotel. The hotel is in the process of being remodeled and has been a K-town landmark since around 1924. It's located next to Ketchikans infamous "Redlight District".
These "cool" pooches, decked out in sunglasses, have to be two of the most photographed residents in Ketchikan. Every time I happen by, there's always folks looking up and pointing at them with smiles on their faces. So, when your walking around K-town and are by the "Creek", look for the yellow and green building, take a look at the second floor and you too, can go away with a smile on your face. Till next time; K-townking

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

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

Things Are Looking Up

Boy O' Boy, things are strange in K-town. With the season ready to start in full swing this week, I'm baffled. We have about 50 jewelery stores in the downtown area and as of today I haven't seen hardly any activity in them for all most a week. They must be hiding behind the shades in the windows putting out their wares. I never understood why one would come all the way to Alaska to purchase jewelery in the first place. But people do. Must be so they can tell everyone back home they got it in Alaska, that would be my guess.
Since last Wednesday there have been just a ton of geese flying over head every day and night also. I had taken my dog for a late night walk and there where several flocks fly by while we were out. It such a fun thing to watch. You can hear them coming for a long way far, you hear the Honk,Honk them make and try to spot them. It amazes me how they fly in their"V" formation, change directions, get spooked by a helicopter and still remain in their formation. There not always perfect, they may be long on one side and short on the other, but it's still a "V". I made several attempts to get a photo of them and my camera just wouldn't zoom in well enough.
I also noticed that the bear hunters have arrived in 2's and 3's over the last week. I have yet to see any sign around my house, or heard of anyone seeing a bear around town. I know that their out of the den by now and looking for the first food of the year. So, keep your eyes peeled and maybe you'll see one early.
When your in K-town there are many, many, many things for you and your family to do and see. One of the really fun things is KAYAKING. There are a couple of outfits that can help you with that. I recommend Southeast Sea Kayaks. Greg and Gillian and their twins will take you out and show you the sites ,wildlife, ranging from whales to bears to some of the many birds that live on and near the water, to sea lions and seals. It's always a great time and they even feed you. Now, how can you beat that. The tours on average are 2-4 hours, although they can outfit you for week or more. But for the cruise ship traveler the 2-4 hour trip is the norm. You really can't bet this.
Well, that's it for now, besides the Cubs are on. Till next time, Be Safe. 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

The Ships Are A Coming

Things in K-town should be getting busy this week. The first boat of the season is due to visit on Wednesday, 4-22. Things have been hopping in the down town area all last week, from the city cleaning and painting, to the stores and shops sprucing up the interiors and exteriors, bringing in the new stock for the season. The tour companies have been recruiting driver/guides and on Sunday the horses for the Seahorse Trolleys arrived on the Alaska Marine Highway. The influx of new people to K-town is on the raise. Most are returning to jobs they've had in years past and a lot are looking for that summer job in a place they just enjoy being, Southeast Alaska.
I started this Blog to give the people who are planning their trip some idea of the many different, fun and interesting things that they can do. Whether their into hiking, kayaking, fishing,flightseeing in the Misty Fjords, taking a tour of the different Totem Parks. There are a number shops that specialise in all types of art work by many of the local artist that call K-town home.There is so much to see in and around Ketchikan that it would take way more time then you have. So, my advice, to those of you who will be visiting Ketchikan, is to research the surrounding area and decide what it is you are going to have the time to do on your visit. Then, when you arrive you'll have a much better time and see what SE. Alaska has to offer you and your family.
In the next few days I will be going into a little more detail of some of the places to see and things to do on your stop in Ketchikan. Till tomorrow; 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

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

March Madness comes to K-town

Ketchikan has always been big on basketball, way before I arrived, and this year it's our turn to host the regional tournament. The games started yesterday morning, at 8:00AM and continued through last night, with the K-high team taking on the Juneau-Douglas team. So there's action to be had at the K-high gym through the 7th.
I've been watching a pod of sea lions the last week, or so. They were down town hanging around the City Float area, never close enough to get any good photos, better luck next time. There must
have been quite a bit of feed to keep them around as long as they were. I know I've said this before, but I just love being in Alaska at this time of the year. There's something happen all the time in K-town, from sea lions feeding to eagles repairing their nest, readying for this years chicks, to sea otters sunning themselves on a float plane float.
People are hopping that we're not using all our sunny days now and not saving enough for the summer. I'm one. Hey, I can go on for hours about spring in K-town and I more then likely will for the next month, but right now I off to enjoy the sun for a few hours myself and put a few miles on the ol' putt. See Ya. K-townking