[This is a continuation of our Alaska trip. We are in the process of learning how to edit blog entries.]
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Skagway: We reached Skagway four days and three nights after Bellingham. We were excited to leave the ship and see Alaska. At the dock was a van waiting to give us a ride to the hostel we had booked for two nights. The third night we planned to camp. I was a little nervous given the comments from the interpreter on what to do if you came upon a bear. I wasn't interested in sharing my tent with an omnivore looking for free treats. Skagway, is an interesting place with lots of history. Some of it probably was embellished, but none the less one can not help but appreciate the hardships the people who came to this area had to endure. We took the train up the White pass, did some day hikes and saw some of the biggest Salmon we had ever seen dying in a stream and enjoyed the free tour given by park rangers in the town. In the evening we went to a special theater presentation about a colorful character called Soapy Smith, and spent time downtown. We loved walking downtown in the evening --in fact it was almost like we were in a different city from the day now that it was void of all the tourists off the ships.
Petersburg: We found our hostel with no problem. Really nice lady from Maine with a big house and heart. Refreshing to be away from the cruise ship mania. The cruise ships can't come into Petersburg. Wild berries are every where and we gorged ourselves on every hike. Salmon berries and thimble berries. We took hikes around the island and every where we went it was spectacular views.
Wrangell: Our hostel was a unique experience. It was a church, the oldest Presbyterian Church in Alaska. From Memorial day to Labor day a lovely lady by the name of Nancy (who lives in Las Vegas the rest of the year) is here to greet you. We slept quite comfortably on blowup mattress's on the floor in converted class rooms. Above our bed it told us about the Miracle of Moses. Sunday we were invited to join the service which was second only to Nancy's fresh bread. It rained while in Wrangell, but not much more than a mist--very similar to Oregon. We did lots of walking and got to know the island quite well. Shakes Island isn’t far and you will be amazed at the totems just a short walk from the hostel.
Ketchikan: Eagle view hostel took our breath away--in more ways than one. We took a taxi up to the hostel and walked down to see the town and walked back up after that. It was well worth the hike. I have never had eye contact with an eagle soaring only a few feet away from me before. Visit the visitors center for an experience in Alaskan culture.
Some tips: washer/ dryers, showers (complete with soap and towels) are available at all hostels and aboard the ferries. We took most of the food we ate (see some examples of meals at the bottom) On the way up we got off the ship at each stop and picked up the local newspapers. We were able to visit the senior centers, find out what was going on in each city and get a flavor for the area.
Excerpts from the Wrangell Sentinel: Police report--July 31, 2008
Criminal mischief: Report of a vehicle that had caution tape, and cornflakes on it at the ferry terminal.
Possible internet theft: Person reported an individual was sitting on sidewalk with laptop across from their residence--when they confronted the individual about stealing their internet he closed his laptop and left.
The library is great for getting your email for free. Also they are a wealth of information on the area. Cell phones work in port only. Take duct-tape to tape your tent down, Take layers rather than a heavy jacket; sturdy waterproof walking shoes, rain jacket and rain pants. Light backpack. Pack light,--you can buy anything you forget or need. Take only one book-but make sure it's a good one. You can exchange it on the ferries for books others have discarded.
Forget the extra clothes and bring food. You will find with the savings and slowly emptying your bag by eating the food you have brought, you can buy extra tee shirts as you travel.
On the trip up to Skagway you can get off the ferry and run to the local bakery or grocery store--just make sure you take your identification and ticket with you so you can get back on--and don't be late--some ports the ferry only stops there once or twice a week.
Our meals were pretty simple, and required little planning and work, and most days we spent about $20.00 per day for two people.
Petersburg: We found our hostel with no problem. Really nice lady from Maine with a big house and heart. Refreshing to be away from the cruise ship mania. The cruise ships can't come into Petersburg. Wild berries are every where and we gorged ourselves on every hike. Salmon berries and thimble berries. We took hikes around the island and every where we went it was spectacular views.
Wrangell: Our hostel was a unique experience. It was a church, the oldest Presbyterian Church in Alaska. From Memorial day to Labor day a lovely lady by the name of Nancy (who lives in Las Vegas the rest of the year) is here to greet you. We slept quite comfortably on blowup mattress's on the floor in converted class rooms. Above our bed it told us about the Miracle of Moses. Sunday we were invited to join the service which was second only to Nancy's fresh bread. It rained while in Wrangell, but not much more than a mist--very similar to Oregon. We did lots of walking and got to know the island quite well. Shakes Island isn’t far and you will be amazed at the totems just a short walk from the hostel.
Ketchikan: Eagle view hostel took our breath away--in more ways than one. We took a taxi up to the hostel and walked down to see the town and walked back up after that. It was well worth the hike. I have never had eye contact with an eagle soaring only a few feet away from me before. Visit the visitors center for an experience in Alaskan culture.
Some tips: washer/ dryers, showers (complete with soap and towels) are available at all hostels and aboard the ferries. We took most of the food we ate (see some examples of meals at the bottom) On the way up we got off the ship at each stop and picked up the local newspapers. We were able to visit the senior centers, find out what was going on in each city and get a flavor for the area.
Excerpts from the Wrangell Sentinel: Police report--July 31, 2008
Criminal mischief: Report of a vehicle that had caution tape, and cornflakes on it at the ferry terminal.
Possible internet theft: Person reported an individual was sitting on sidewalk with laptop across from their residence--when they confronted the individual about stealing their internet he closed his laptop and left.
The library is great for getting your email for free. Also they are a wealth of information on the area. Cell phones work in port only. Take duct-tape to tape your tent down, Take layers rather than a heavy jacket; sturdy waterproof walking shoes, rain jacket and rain pants. Light backpack. Pack light,--you can buy anything you forget or need. Take only one book-but make sure it's a good one. You can exchange it on the ferries for books others have discarded.
Forget the extra clothes and bring food. You will find with the savings and slowly emptying your bag by eating the food you have brought, you can buy extra tee shirts as you travel.
On the trip up to Skagway you can get off the ferry and run to the local bakery or grocery store--just make sure you take your identification and ticket with you so you can get back on--and don't be late--some ports the ferry only stops there once or twice a week.
Our meals were pretty simple, and required little planning and work, and most days we spent about $20.00 per day for two people.
posted by John Francis & Caye Poe at 10:40 AM
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