Sunset along Turnagain Arm
Southcentral Alaska

Reputed to be an ancient Chinese proverb, the phase “may you live in interesting times” was also rumored to be a curse in the days of old. And indeed it has been these “interesting times” that have kept me away from journaling here for so long. Too long in my humble opinion.

But when January was swept up with a work transition for me that required countless long hours and planning followed by a business trip, I quickly found my mind looking for ways to simply get through the day. To look forward to that time when I could once again find peace on a daily basis. My quest in life at that moment became survival. And sleep became a stranger to me. But alas luckily things have quieted down a bit to a more manageable level. And with finding myself caught up in a bout of spring fever that always seems to hit this time of year, I have found myself beginning to make my summer travel plans. With it the appeal for exploration has returned and in those spare moments I find myself caught up in day dreaming.

My interesting times will indeed be numerous this summer. How could they NOT be with the following schedule:

May - weeklong ferry trip to Southeast Alaska.
June - return to Katmai and then a ferry trip across the gulf to Kodiak.
July - Camping at Wonder Lake in Denali
August - Bear Viewing at Anan Creek in Wrangell, Haul Road, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
September - Katmai, Trip around Alaska once more including the Top of the World Highway

Of course there will be the countless trips to Denali National Park and perhaps if luck is on my side a journey to Denali for the road lottery. Which reminds me I need to send in my entry for the McNeil River Lottery. Plus there is of course moving on my agenda and acting as the officiant in the wedding of two very good friends.

With adventure ever on the horizon I am once again swept up.

Is it spring yet?

Situated on Revillagigedo Island (shortened to Revilla by local residents) along the Tongass Narrows lies one of Southeast Alaska’s gems - that of Ketchikan. Alaska’s 4th largest city known to some as the “first city” and considered by many to be the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan is thought to come from the Indian name “katch kanna” meaning “Spread wings of a thundering eagle.” Thought by many to be an adventure playground given its close proximity to Misty Fjords National Park, Ketchikan has become a city whose economy is heavy supported by tourism as its thriving industry.

Recently I had the opportunity to travel to and explore the hospitality of this gateway city as a part of a business trip. After a rather hairy journey in which our flight on Alaska Airlines experienced many mechanical difficulties that ended with us experiencing an emergency landing, I was happy to finally touch down after the day’s excitement. Ketchikan’s International Airport is situated on Gravina Island and to reach Ketchikan one must cross the narrows aboard the ferry. Ketchikan offers a mild climate and the night we arrived we found temperatures in the lower 40s. Quite a welcome break after a recent cold snap in Anchorage with temperatures plunging below zero.

Much of the town is built on pilings and its previous industry tended to focus greatly on logging and fishing. After the permanent closure of the Ketchikan Pulp Mill in 1997 the town was forced to look for another means of industry. They seemed to have succeeded as tourism quickly became a thriving industry whose local economy is heavily supported by the cruise ships. Given Ketchikan is the first and last port of call for Alaska cruise ship visitors, it is not uncommon to experience five ships arriving at once, thus doubling Ketchikan’s normal population of 14,000.

Though my available time was limited during my tenure here, I was able to explore the town and set out to photograph what became perhaps my two favorite aspects of the town. Ketchikan’s historic Creek Street district and the totem poles.

Ketchikan offers an enriched cultural history with a plethora of native culture in the area, including the presence of Tlinget, Haida and Tsimshian tribes. The city offers the largest collection of totem poles in the world including the infamous Totem Bright Totem Park and the totem park in Saxman Village. My favorite perhaps was the Totem Bight Totem Park which is a crown jewel in the State of Alaska’s state park system. As one meanders through the trails lined with the heavy timber growth of the area you can literally be swept back in time as you encounter and experience these artistic wonders. My favorite of course was the replica of a clan house which would have served as a home for 30 to 50 people in many villages in the early 19th century. Inside is a large room with a fire pit and planked platform. In an area supported by natural bounty, these artistic masterpieces serve as the symbolism of the area.

Creek Street on the other hands serves as a reminder of different sort - that of mystery and mayhem. Creek Street was considered Ketchikan’s red light district filled with brothels, alcohol and mining in the days of old. Given Ketchikan was the first city on the sea route from Seattle, Ketchikan found its population growing quickly. Fishing fleets lined the harbor and loggers and miners worked the local resources. Thus the area flourished. After local law outlawed prostitution in the early 1950’s Creek Street became a tribute to this path of history. Today the boardwalk street is home to coffee shops, restaurants and book stores. I found it quite enchanting as literally there are few places like this.

I greatly enjoyed my trip and can easily see why Ketchikan is a favorite stopping place for so many wanting to see the area. Indeed the area has much to offer and experience. And I shall be journeying back to the area at the end of May to see and experience more. Ketchikan should be a definite stopping point on anyone’s journey to Alaska.

Dahl Sheep Ram
Southcentral Alaska

A Dahl Sheep Ram forages for food against the cliffs of Turnagain Arm. Recent heavy snows and frigid weather have driven the local population of sheep and moose down to the hills in their quest for food. Winter time brings a great chance to see up close and personal encounters with the sheep during the dusk and dawn hours.

Given it’s been something I have done professionally in the past, I must admit I don’t do much fund raising in my personal life. Unless it comes to a worthy cause or a way to further develop my goals. In this case? Health and Wellness.

Health and wellness is paramount to the quality of life we lead. I’m a living example of that in my own goal. Yet not everyone has that choice up front.  From time to time I will let you all know what charity events I’m either running or walking in. I have them planned out to where I actually can fund raise for them.

The first one? On April 19th I’m walking in the Walk MS.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to creating a world free from MS. They simultaneously fund research for a cure while also helping people who currently live with MS lead more fulfilling lives. I believe in the work they do, and I invite you to see for yourself all the good they’ve done for the MS community. More than 400,000 Americans live with MS, and your support can and will make changes in their lives.

Please help by making a donation - large or small - to fight MS. Or, why not join me on the day of the event? Become a participant and side by side, as teammates, we can work together to raise the funds to make a difference. If you’re interested in sponsoring me for this worthy cause, please do. I’m not about hard sells, but I am about knowing what things in life matters. And that is life itself.

If you are interested in sponsoring, my walk page can be found here.

Thank you for your suppport.

Situated 126 miles south of Anchorage along the mouth of the Resurrection Bay and known as the “Gateway to Kenai Fjords” lies the town of Seward, Alaska and the Alaska SeaLife Center. Making its livelihood from its bustling sea port and historic downtown district, Seward is home to year round population of 3,000. One of its main attractions and built in 1998 the Alaska SeaLife Center was established with settlement monies from a result of the notorious Exxon Valdez Oil Spill that tainted Prince William Sound and surrounding areas in 1989. The ASLC mission is research, rehabilitation, education and exhibitory that help immerse and inform visitors about local marine ecosystems and the ability to watch animals in natural habitats.