THURSDAY, JUNE 6

THURSDAY, JUNE 6:

     Our boat left for Misty Fjords at 10:30.  Is a double hull catamaran; looks like it would hold maybe 150-200 passengers fully booked.  But there were lots of empty seats on our tour – probably only about 100 guests.

                             
                     Our boat,shown above.  Looks sizable, until you compare it to the monstrous
                     cruise ship beside it, below  (and only half, if that, of the cruise ship shows!)

 

      The cruise was wonderful . . . Misty Fjords lived up to its billing, and its name!  Rained a great deal of the time, though mostly lightly.  When not raining, misting.  So we had an iconic day to see this lovely wilderness.  Took about an hour to get to the National Monument – so designated in 1978 by Pres. Carter.  (It’s part of the huge Tongass National Forest, which encompasses almost all of Southeast Alaska).  On the way, passed lots and lots of islands, all densely forested. 

 

 

 

 

 As our naturalist on board said, Minnesota claims its 10,000 lakes; this part of Alaska is the opposite – 10,000 islands.  Some porpoises swam with us for a few minutes, cavorting in front of the boat.  But neither of us really saw much of them – mainly just the water splashing after one of their jumps.  Also passed an active bald eagle’s nest on a nearby island.  The boat captain would slow down the boat at these sightings, and linger to let us all try to view.

     Also passed the well-known landmark New Eddystone Rock, so named by George Vancouver when he was exploring this area because it reminded him of the New Eddystone lighthouse in England. An example of European re-naming of things and places which had had Native names for decades. This basalt spire is the remnant of a volcanic plug; the geology of this area is the result of both glacier and volcanic action.

 

  

     But the main spectacle was cruising inside  Rudyerd Bay.  This glacially-carved inlet with its steep-sided granite walls is reminiscent of Yosemite, replete with at least a score of waterfalls . .  some wispy and delicate, others more robust.  And today, we were treated to abundant mystical mists which give the area a true mystical, ethereal, totally peaceful feeling.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       We lingered in this enchanting bay for the better part of an hour.  We spent a good part of that time out on the exposed upper deck, obviously because of the better views.  I was so glad I had the appropriate clothing . . . was totally comfortable, despite the cold mist.  The Alpine Shop did a superb job of outfitting me, literally from head to toe! 

 

      Then turned back.  Like most excursions in The Great Land, this one was pricey.  But the only way to see places like this is by tour boat or seaplanes.  We knew this before we left home.  So you just fork over your $$ and don’t look back.  And it really was well done . . . the on-board naturalist, although not a National Park nor Nat’l Forest Service employee, was very knowledgeable and presented the material in a very listener-friendly way.  Other staff were very friendly and helpful.  The clam chowder or vegetarian chili they served on our way back were welcome – hot and tasty! And of course no one has any control over the weather.  And, while, if we were given a choice, we would have chosen a clear day, with sparkling water,  what we were given was really fine.  Got to experience the monument’s namesake weather and its legendary haunting impressionistic landscape, while we remained snug & dry.    

      As we came into the harbor, had fine views of Ketchikan.

 

 

     Drove on home, rested, and had another quick dinner.  Yea for leftovers!  Then took Pappy out on a long walk.  Still lightly raining.  Walked up about half a mile or so to the elementary school at the end of this road.  Was extremely attractive – the architecture, and the landscaping . . . looked like it could be a lodge!  We were surprised that the outdoor playground was in the open (although a basketball court was covered), given that they have nearly 300 days a year of measurable precipitation.  I guess the kids just play with their rain jackets, hoods, and rain boots on.  Like we did today!

     Appropriately, we went to sleep to the sound of raindrops on the roof.