Today the ship anchored off the coast of the city of Ketchikan. Since it cannot accommodate more than two cruise ships and we were the third to arrive in Ketchikan that day we had to take a small boat, called a tender, from our ship to the shore. Ketchikan is interesting because it is an active seaplane port, so there were several seaplanes taking off and landing every few minutes.
Once ashore we booked a tour with a jet boat. I was envisioning something like a jetski, but slightly larger, but what we got looked like a bus that could float. But it could also move… QUITE quickly! In fact I’m not sure I have ever been moving that fast on the water before, it was a very fun experience. The boat crew took us way out into the wilderness channels of Ketchikan where many people simply pulled ashore, cleared some trees, and built spectacular retreat houses for themselves. There are even a couple of towns which support no more than 4 or 5 families, and are only accessible by seaplane or by boat. Since there are a lot of people living this way, only accessible by plane or boat, Alaska has the highest percentage of pilots among its citizens of any state. I can definitely see the appeal of living this way. Though true city folk would balk at the idea, there is something about living in a secluded amazing place like a private island in the wilderness of Alaska that is immensely appealing to me!
The day culminated with a return to the launching point of the jetboat, the Salmon Falls lodge and resort. It is an absolutely spectacular resort nestled into a mountainside overlooking a channel of the Pacific Ocean! They have about 16 units available for a stay at the meager price of $2500 PER PERSON for a four day stay with a guided tour!!! That’s not an error 2…5...0…0 as in two and a half grand for four days! I no longer wonder how people can afford to build nice retreats in the wilderness if they’re operating places like that!
Tonight was the second formal night for the cruise as well as a Captain’s party before dinner. I actually got to meet the captain in person and shake his hand, though it was only after the introduction that we realized it was actually him!
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