An uncomfortably early start in Juneau, up by 5 and packed and on the road by 6am. We waited parked at the ferry dock in our staging line for an hour and a half, think they woke us up too early!! Took that time to eat the to-go breakfast Tanguy had bought last night. When we finally loaded, we strapped down in our own spot by the bow where we had proper tie-down points this time which was nice, although shy a few (designed for cars). I went upstairs early to get a good seat; this ferry was much nicer/newer, although only one deck for guests, we had a 4 seat section around a table.
Nicely strapped down this time
Leaving Juneau in the distance as we blast west towards Sitka
Tide ripping through Peril Pass
Our 4-1/2 hour passage to Sitka
Lots of small fishing boats in the narrow channels
Once in Sitka we unloaded nearly first again, went straight to the campsite a mile up the road and set up camp in a prehistoric wooded-looking site. Next on the list was laundry. Drove around town until we found the laundromat and did our clothes. There we met the Canadian family, of which we met the dad on the ferry, and also a biker on a new Kawasaki. Next up -food! Stopped at a Pub downtown to eat. Sitka only has 7-8000 residents, so it had a much quieter feel than Juneau. We spent the rest of the early evening wandering around town. Stopped at Castle Hill, where Alaska was handed over to the Americans, and a lot of the Russian influence buildings, as Sitka was the Captial when Russia owned Alaska, and a short time after. Then back to camp, getting ready for bed when the Canadian guy came by with half a growler full of beer; spent the rest of the evening chatting to him.
Russian dolls in shop windows
Alaska Pioneer House
St Michaels Orthodox cathedral downtown
Next morning – rain. Rain, rain rain, at least we knew it was coming. Cooked breakfast under a sheltered table, then walked the short trail to the estuary near our campsite. The few salmon in the river had just started running so all still looked good to eat! Next we cruised past town, where the Raptor centre caught my eye. Enjoyed an hour at their rehabilitation centre for raptor birds, including mostly bald eagles but also Hawks and a variety of Owls. They do a great job explaining all of their work to the tourists who visit. We carried on till the end of the road, which is only 16miles in Sitka. The bay at the end of the road was picture perfect gorgeous, lush trees, flat calm, where we spotted a whale, sea lion and sea birds. Back to town for a late lunch, yummy food overlooking the bay.
In the estuary watching the locals fish for salmon
A well looked after Bald Eagle
Whale point from where we saw some humpbacks and a seal
End of the road… all 25kms of it!
Next up was a walk through Sitka Historical State Park, where the Tlingits lost the battle to the Russians in 1804. A nice trail through the wooded wetlands, river and beach, passing many Tlingit totem poles, each with their own story. One the way back we watched a juvenile Bald Eagle on the river close to the footbridge. He was only watching the many salmon splash past him, maybe he hasn’t yet a good hunter? Or learning the ways of the fish? Who knows we left him to it and headed to the brewery before it closes. Baranof Island Brewery was a low key warehouse style building offering a good sample of beers.
A selection of the Baranoff brew
Before we left the brewery we picked up a growler of beer to take to the Canadians. They had offered to take our spare tires with them which would help us out a lot on the ferries.
We stopped for a small fare at Ludvigs Bistro where we had some delicious clam chowder and cured meat with cheese before heading to the campground. We stopped at the Canadians mobile home and spent an hour or so chatting over our beers and dropped off our tires. From there we went back to our damp campsite and got ready for a short night. Our tent stayed dry under its tarp so all in all we are doing well! The ferry leaves at 07:45 and we need to be there an hour early… so up around 05:30 again. As we were going to sleep we heard our local bear splashing in the river again (he was there fishing last night too). Plenty of food for them to eat at this time of the year so little to worry about, but the bear spray was close by, just in case!
After all, not so quiet to ferry southwards, early rises, tie down the horses, short runs to the next stop.
Wildlife-wise you’re having a ball with swimming, running and flying species.
Food seems ever-so-important or does that depend on the writer-of-the-day?
Good to hear you enjoy it!
Baci
So good to read your stories! As Zoe wrote in the beginning of your trip ‘ we will write and send pictures so that you will feel as you are with us ! That’s almost true ! I only don’t feel the rain and the temperatures 😉
Enjoy the wildlife, the lakes, the forests and numerous parks the friends you meet and take good care of yourselves! We’re watching !
Big kiss to both! Mum