After the rain of the early week, the sun began to peek through, although on our approach to Sitka one wouldn’t have expected it. A dreary early morning as we made it to the anchorage, however within 2 hours the sun was shining.
The whole of south-east Alaska had a thorough soaking and Sitka was no exception. They had, unfortunately, a land-slip which took away a house which was nearing completion. 5 people were working on it at the time, 2 inside the house and 3 inspectors outside. The inspectors saw the landslide begin, 2 went left, 1 went right and he was caught in the slide; the 2 lads inside never got out, so 3 died. In a community as small and as tight as Sitka, the loss was felt severely.
As we call in Sitka every week, it is becoming challenging to write without repeating myself (and boring you 🙂 ). Photos are always unique for each week though.
looking west towards cape Edgecombe
The inactive volcano of Mount Edgecombe, the top hidden in cloud
Our tenders working, using the Bridge floating dock
There’s a humorous story about Mt. Edgecombe. Many years ago, some local lads decided they would play an April-Fool joke on the inhabitants of Sitka. Loaded with old car tyres (tires), the trucked them up to the top of the mountain. Early on April 1st, they lit them and the inhabitants of Sitka awoke to see fumes billowing out of the top of what they thought, was an extinct volcano. As is to be expected, panic ensued until the realisation of what had transpired became known. I am told that the joke backfired on the miscreants and they served a high number of hours doing community service. Great joke though! 🙂
The fishing fleet was out in force again this week, now being joined by the purse-seiners. These boats use a long, buoyed net, strung in a large loop and ‘set’ by a powerful boat they carry in the stern.
A purse-seine fishing boat
Just some of the numerous boats in the Sound.
On then to Ketchikan, where I managed to get my feet on dry land, especially for you. Ketchikan boasts that it is the ‘rain capital of the world’, today though it was gloriously sunny and a stroll to Creek Street was called for.
Now quaint shops, in the early 1900’s these buildings were bordellos
One of which now caters for tourists, (not in its original role)
😉
The salmon are trying to get up-river, however the enormous amount of rain recently has turned the creek into a torrent
Survival of the fittest, these didn’t make it.
However these did.
A leaping salmon, (if you believe that, you’ll believe anything)
🙂
The Amsterdam at berth #1
The obstacles ahead
If one looks closely, 2 salmon are in the maelstrom.
One of the streets.
As I write, we are in the Hecate Straits, making 22 knots, (24.2 mph, 38.7 kph), making for Victoria tomorrow evening. The long days start again, so bear with me during the weekend and more will follow in the week.
I love reading your blogs but was especially disappointed to hear that you are disembarking the Amsterdam on 9/27 and I’m embarking on 10/2/15. Safe travels to your wherever you go. Also enjoy seeing your grandkids. They are so adorable.
Capt Jonathan, you have a real talent for writing — never boring! We have been on this same route twice on the Oosterdam and each little detail brings back so many memories, We were able to go all the way in to Tracy Arms on the second trip and to Hubbard Glacier on the first trip. Enjoyed having you for Captain on our trips to the Caribbean — once on the Eurodam and then on the Nieuw Amsterdam.. What is your schedule after the Alaska trips? Sure would like to see you one day on the Koningsdam out of Ft. Lauderdale. Happy sailing!
Hello Harlan, after Alaska I have some leave and some refresher training in Europe. My next assignment is on the Amsterdam, for the 2016 World cruise. Captain Emiel de Vries is taking the Koningsdam out of the yard, a very capable man and a great ship-handler to boot!
It is quite apparent that you go to great lengths to keep your blog interesting and fun for your readers even when visiting the same ports each week. After following 2 Alaska and 2 World Cruise blogs, I still eagerly await your next post. Enjoyed the photos of the engine control room and I95 as these are parts of the ship the guests never get to see. Keep up the good work – we appreciate your efforts!
Thank you so much, Captain Jonathan. Your blog is appreciated and never boring. We appreciate your insights. It is very sad to see that mess in Sitka. When I was there, even though we had rain, it was still a beautiful location. And the people…so warm and friendly and proud of their home. Love your pictures of Ketchikan. I have some that are the same. This year, I was there too early for the salmon. Take care and thank you again.