Day #4 ~ Ketchikan, Alaska

Our first port of call, Ketchikan Alaska. The town of Ketchikan originated as an Indian fish saltery. It grew when it became a supply base and entry port for miners during the 1898 gold rush. Visit here to read more about Ketchikan and the surrounding Indian villages.

This pics for you, Jill! Moose are everywhere in Alaska and serve as the non-official mascot.

Get your salmon!

If it wasn't almost $500 dollars I would take a helicopter to the snow and go on a sled dog race with huskies. A fellow blogger went last year and said it was a highlight of her trip!

Imagine the look on my mom's face when she saw this sign? She took off... running!!!! FATIGUE, be gone!

She showed restraint and only bought a few specialty fabrics to make a surprise for a certain 5 and 3 year old. She did ask everyone in the store if they've been to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. The 34th annual is coming this July to Sisters, Oregon!

There are 34 totem poles at Saxman Native village and each one has its own unique story and history. We cehcked them out along with the carving center where totems are made. The carvers were working when we stopped in. The master carver in Saxman is internationally recognized and his work is in demand around the world. You can see many of his totem poles displayed throughout Ketchikan.

Busted knuckles...

A bald eagle and her nest and baby

With dad (My mom stayed on the heated bus!)

Rotary International sponsors this park

The locals said that we enjoyed one of the few days of sunshine this summer... 2008 has received more liquid sunshine than ever...

We watched the Lumberjacks in action courtesy of The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

We saw....

Chopping....

Climbing...

Sawing

and Log rolling for the grand finale!

Tonight's entertainment was Headliner Nick Lewin. He's a comedy magician... and really good!

I wish I could "stay up" for Oldies Rock and Roll Prom Night on The Starquest, Deck 13... but... hello? It starts at 10:30PM and I need my beauty sleep. (And am a nerd and want to finish my book!)

I love vacation!!!!