SATURDAY, JUNE 8

SATURDAY, JUNE 8:

     Packed up to leave Ketchikan.  In spite of what I wrote earlier about it being too commercial, etc., we did enjoy our stay here.  We avoided spending much time in the town itself, and just enjoyed its physical charm from a distance.  The sight-seeing and excursions we selected were perfect for us, and the weather cooperated.  If we would have toured the Totem Pole sites on any other day, would have had hardly any breaks in the rain at all (and a harder rain most of the time).   And the light rain for our Misty Fjords trip was fine.  Thanks to Providence. 

     Ketchikan was a great first stop on our way up the Inland Passage.  Had a splendid introduction to the Tongass Nat’l Forest here – learned that it’s the U.S.’s largest national forest, is the size of West Virginia, and comprises 14% of the entire world’s temperate rain forest area.  While the flora & fauna are not quite as diversified in a temperate rain forest as in a Tropical one, there’s still immense diversity and delicate ecological balance.   Had a wonderful introduction to the history & culture of the native people here as well, particularly the Tlingits.  We’ll be exposed to much more of both as we travel north, I’m sure.  Travelling is for sure the easiest and most enjoyable way to absorb information about new places, people, and cultures.  We take advantage of as many opportunities for this kind of learning as we can, and we’re so appreciative of the folks who develop and create the ways and means to do so.

     As far as our RV Park here goes, it was just fine.  We had a negative first impression, but it met our needs just fine.  The showers might have been the best we’ve ever had – lots of pressure and all the hot water you want!  The folks who manage it are young, college age, and friendly.  If it had been drier, and/or we had more time, we would have enjoyed spending time out on the dock here.  

     Drove into town to catch the 1:45 ferry.  Ticket says to be at the dock 2 hours early, but the gal in the office when we purchased our tickets said that 1 ½ hrs early was fine.  In this case, way more than fine . . . the ship was at least an hour late getting into harbor.  Then, it took us (Bill and me) a half hour to board.  When we were in line (the RV lane), a ferry employee came over and told Bill that they were going to have him turn around and back in to the ferry.  Bill smiled and said, “You’re kidding, right?”  They weren’t.  We had to back in so that we could be positioned to get off at Wrangell . . . most of the other vehicles already on from points south weren’t getting off til later (Juneau, mostly).  So the scenario is:  our 56’ long truck/RV backing in over a long ramp (300-400 ft), with a 20 ft drop.  Then, once on the ferry, a sharp turn to get it in its assigned parking lane.  And with only inches to spare on either side.  They had 3 guys dedicated to guiding Bill in, one riding on the outside of the cab giving instructions.  They took it literally inch by inch, directing him to “turn left, now straighten out, now sharp turn right, straighten out, hard turn left, I mean right, no, I mean left, sorry . . .”   Honest!  But really, they were pro’s at it, and got us in without a scratch.  They were also very, very nice.  They complimented Bill on doing a great job and having a lot of patience.  

     When we got out of the truck and went up to the lounge deck, a few people asked if he wasn’t the guy backing in the big white truck and RV with the kayaks on top.  Apparently those on board were treated to the entire unfolding drama.  And then they said to me, “And you must be the one sitting next to him who was covering her eyes the whole time!”  Yep, that would be me!  Suffice it to say that if the cocktail lounge had been open by then, they would have had 2 ready customers.

        Well, after we could see that everyone had boarded, we still sat around for another hour or so . . . something technical.  So, we finally set sail at 4:45 – 3 hours late.  But when we finally got going, it was again a marvelous trip – even better than our first leg to Ketchikan.  After about an hour, the sun broke through!!  First time in nearly 72 hours.  And just got stronger & stronger.  What a welcome sight!  We could see the landforms so clearly now, especially the snow-capped  mountain peaks.  It was just gorgeous.  Now, this is cruising the Inland Passage the way the tour books present it!

 

 

 

 

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And a special treat, as if to compensate for the late start and the stress in boarding . . . an exquisite twilight, and sunset off to the west as we were sailing north.  All the tension and frustration of yesterday, and the dull grey weather, all was washed and soothed away in a lavender, pink, and peach spread of  benediction . All you could do was gaze at it in wondrous and peaceful  appreciation and thanks.

 

                                                                  

 

 

And almost as picturesque as we came up on Wrangell in the lingering twilight. 

 

      Had no trouble getting off the ferry, and drove thru town 4 miles to the city-operated RV park.  Had no trouble finding it, but once we got there, had difficulty in getting set up.  All the sites were back-in’s, and not level, and with boulders, trees, etc. to maneuver around.  And by now, it was after 11:00 and dark.  God sent an angel in the form of a guy (Rob, from Alberta) who also was on the ferry and pulled in here (actually, he’d been at both Prince Rupert & Ketchikan with us – Bill recognized his rig) to help guide Bill in and get level.  But still took an hour.  Thanks to the Lord that it was dry and not too cool outside. 

     So today was emblematic of our North to Alaska adventure – driving RV challenges were the bookends on either side of a sublime uniquely Alaskan experience of natural beauty.  In our case, gotta endure the one to experience the other.