Alaska Trip: Ketchikan Day 4

Ketchikan Town

Most of the towns in Alaska were formed during the various gold rushes of the past couple of centuries, and as the gold was worked out they petered back into little fishing towns.  Ketchican main industry after tourism is salmon fishing.  A large cannery stands in the town waiting for the salmon to run.

The old red light district has been gentrified and restored and is now the tourist area.

We took the tram to the top pf the town where we had a an excellent lunch away from the cruise crowds and an incredible view.

The towns best known carver made this eagle statue as a sign of welcome.  I am not so sure of that.

A good first trip off the ship.

Alaska Trip: Ketchican, Saxman Village Day 4

Ketchican

Saxman Village

After a couple of days at sea we were pleased to put into the tiny town of Ketchican, Nicola had prebooked us on a visit to Saxman Village, a proper native village rather than just a recreation or mock up we saw else where.

We were treated to a history of the local people and then they put on a show of tribal dances in a beautifully hand crafted lodge,

Nicola could not help joining in at the end of the performance. (third picture)

The other thing we saw in this impressive village was totem poles.  They are still made here by craftsmen using only hand tools.  They going rate was between $500 -1000 per foot!  I am in the wrong job.

Truly stunning works of art.