the parker family.: ketchikan, alaska

We arrived in Ketchikan around 6am {PST}, and I know this because, yes, we were up. I don't think my body adjusted to all the time zone differences until we were about to leave, and then I had to readjust.

Anyway, the boat docked in Alaska's fifth largest city {only due to population increases from cruises}, and we were out and about by 9am. We chose to let the rush of people trying to get off the boat subside, while we enjoyed our yummy breakfast sandwiches and coffee. It was pretty chilly, but the sun decided to come out around 1030, and our fleeces came off.

Once you get passed all of the souvenir, fur, diamond, and Christmas shops, the city itself is just a quaint, little harbor town who claims to be Alaska's first city. The old part of town was built on a river, and the buildings are now shops and restaurants. There were huge totem poles through out, and a train car {which wasn't working, or closed}, can take you up the mountain to a restaurant where I'm sure the views are breath taking.

After a quick walk around, we found a fish and chips saloon with a band, and decided to settle in for a bit. Three hours later, I'd had enough homemade potato chips, clam chowder {the best I'd ever had}, and Alaskan Ale samplers, that I need to be rolled home. When you're up at 530, having your first beer at 1030, doesn't seem that early! ;)

After one last stop in the outdoors store for a new fleece, we headed back on board. Tuesday evening was relatively laid back. Daniel and I joined what seemed to be everyone on board for some whale watching. We must have been good luck, because each time we changed sides of the boat, we'd see a whale or 2 {or 6 total}. It never got old either! It's amazing how small a 14 foot tail seems when you're on the top deck of a boat.