 Travelogue
Alaska
Sitka - June 12th
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Scenic Views of Sitka's
 As
we arrived at Sitka, the sun was shining and the boats were out in the water in
force. The water was clear and the mountains magnificent.
 Fishermen
were out to get their morning catch in a setting which would be hard to work in.
How could you keep your eyes on the nets when the beauty around you was so
fantastic!
 The
city of Sitka in the distance awaited us.
 These
islands off the shore of Sitka are inhabited and can only be reached by boat. I
could do this! Not sure my boat spoiled by Florida heat would handle this year
round however.
 Mountains
on all sides grace the water front entrance to Sitka.
 There
was no unsightly views or vistas on entering the enchanted land of Sitka.
 As
we got closer the more excited we became about the setting and the allure of
this quiet town of 9,000.
 The
mountain peaks were inviting and crystal clear thanks to the sun of the day.
 One
last view of the islands before we land. "Hmm, I could do that!"
Walter Mitty said.
 Mt
Edgecumbe, an inactive volcano stands its solitary watch over Sitka.
 The
town of Sitka is framed by snow covered mountains. Sitka was the Capital of the
Russian Alaskan Territory in the 1800's. After Russian sold Alaska to the USA it
remained the territorial capital until Juneau became the new capital.
 The
relatively new suspension bridge which connects the main town of Sitka to a
populated island which was only reachable by boat prior to the opening of the
bridge.
 The
harbor and port of Sitka is home to a thriving fishing fleet.
This memorial to the early pioneers of Alaska stood sentry in front of the
"Pioneers Home" in Sitka which is retirement home for the Alaskan
Pioneers.
 The
Russian Orthodox Church of St. Michael the Archangel dominates the center of
town. It is symbolic to the Russian heritage which was very evident on arrival
to Sitka.
 Lincoln
Street was the main street of Sitka which was the location of all of its shops.
 Tenders
were lining up to return us to our ship after what was an incredibly short stay
in this magical town.
 As
our ship sailed off we bid farewell to the beautiful setting of Sitka.
 We
sailed out through the mountains which stand guard over the entry to Sitka.
 Not
fearing "turning into salt" we looked back to relish the God Given
Beauty of this last Port of call.
 The
panorama of Mt. Edgecumbe provided us a farewell which concluded an unbelievable
visit to a "Fairy Tale" land.
 The
blue sky frames this fir tree upon which has settled a Bald Eagle. This was on
the coastal shore of Sitka overlooking Mt. Edgecumbe.
 The
rain forest park located at the Sitka National Historic Park was breathtaking.
 We
settled and listened to the sounds of forest and stream to imagine what the
first inhabitants of this land were witness to. The trees were huge, the forest
sunlight festooned and the vegetation was lush.
 Just
as we were making the turn out of the channel from Sitka we came upon a pod of
hump back whales who were "blowing" to beat the band. You can see the
back of one whale at the bottom right of the picture. You can also see water
movement of two other whales.
 These
three whales gave us a show close to our ship. One of their backs is clearly
seen in the middle of the picture. You can also make out the movements of the
other two.
A whale further out than our threesome came up to say
"hello" as we caught his back again in a "farewell" gesture.
Click here to get to Prince William Sound and
College Fjord June 13th
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