And here we are – right on time after a relatively bumpy evening sailing up the coast of Alaska.  The weather is forecasted to be rainy, so we are sort of biding our time before heading out – but we see that the skies are relatively clear early on, so we quick like bunnies get ready and head out into this touristy little town.  We found some hikes we thought we’d try, so we are heading to the Salmon stream hike and see what else we can do afterward. But first, a photo opp with a huge black bear that makes us feel a little bit like being home.  

Arriving at the salmon walk, we meander through the mile of boardwalk that leads you around the salmon stream (none there at the moment, think we are not in the right time of year for the salmon or the whales for that matter), snapping pictures of the pretty scenic river and walk.

Then we head out of the walkway (it is getting a little too crowded – and there are only 2 ships in port, us and a small Sea Wind), and up toward Deer Mountain where we thought we could get a short but strenuous hike to the first overlook in.  But after looking at the warning sign (moderately strong hikers! I guess we are that, but still…) and looking at the weather, we decide to ditch it and go in search of some coffee to warm us up instead.  (Although, we must give Ketchikan credit for the excellent information and adorable instructions regarding the bathrooms!)

On our way back down to town, we pass through a nice little park with the Totem Heritage center (closed), some really fun totems and more great scenery.

We hit the NY Café for a couple of cappuccino, then wander through the waterfront mall complex with all sorts of overpriced souvenirs.  It is beginning to rain as we are leaving, and even though it is early, we decide to just head to lunch at the Alaska Fish House – where we dig into a fabulous smoked halibut chowder and a mixed fish plate with salmon, halibut and cod.  Yummy!  And don’t fall down, but the Salmon was our favorite….oh my, how our tastes have changed!  Although it is probably the preparation that finally agrees with us – not just the fish alone!

After that excellent meal, we weave our way through the rain drops back to the ship (that’s our balcony there at the very middle of the aft!) and while away to the afternoon watching The Fall Guy – a really silly, sweet, funny Rom-Com and great way to spend a rainy, cold afternoon in Ketchikan.

Dinner, then the comedian show which was surprisingly good, Ocean’s bar for a nightcap and we are done for the night after a very nice, fun day.