Totem Heritage Center
The Totem Heritage Center was my first priority. Since the red incline tram up the hill to Cape Fox Lodge was out of order, I took the longer, but less steep, walk up Stedmen to Deermount Streets. The Totem Heritage Center had a small but significant collection of traditional totem poles. Most poles were accompanied by photos of them in their original locations. Some were displayed in an upright position, but many were displayed horizontally in glass cases. I found them fascinating and would definitely recommend a visit of to the Totem Heritage Center for anyone interested in Northwest Coast art and culture.
Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery & Eagle Center
The Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery & Eagle Center was located next to the Totem Heritage Center, so I had purchased a combination ticket that included admission to both attractions. The Hatchery had 2 female bald eagles, each with wing injuries that precluded their ability to survive in the wild. The fish hatchery is operated by a local tribe to maintain the salmon population. Between the fish hatchery and the totem center was a small but lovely city park with a creek running through it.
I then enjoyed my walk back to the shopping area of town via Park Street, which ran along Ketchikan River. It was a pleasant and scenic trip.
Tongass Historical Museum
Upon returning to the port shopping area, I visited the Tongass Historical Museum, which had a small collection that covered local history, including coverage of the fishing industry, forestry, homesteading, mining, and Native culture.
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
Next stop was the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, which was probably the most family-friendly of all the museums I visited on this trip. It focused on the lands and natural history of the state, with exhibits about rainforests, natural resources, and animal life. The Discovery Center was also home to an Alaska Public Lands Information Center, with experts available to help you learn about and plan recreation throughout the state.
Shopping in Ketchikan
I finished my Ketchikan morning with a bit of shopping. Again, there were many jewelry stores and tacky tourist shops. I did enjoy Scanlon Gallery, which had an excellent selection of art prints by Rie Munoz, one of my favorite artists who happens to live in Alaska, as well as other artists. Crazy Wolf Studio also had a fine selection of Alaskan art and fine crafts.
Lunch and Spa Treatment
I returned to the ship and had a lunch of cream of broccoli soup, croque monsieur, and Linzer torte at Cagney's. Then, on to the spa! I arrived early for my appointment and spent the time relaxing in the lounge area. I had an aroma flex massage, which was half a back massage and half foot reflexology. Very nice!
Dinner at Teppanyaki
Dinner that night was at Teppanyaki. The chefs that cooked the meal at the table were very funny and good-natured. Most of their “act” consisted of flipping around their spatulas and salt and pepper shakers - for some reason, I was expecting knives to be flying. They wore their knives in a Wild-West-style belt holster. Everyone at the table was served miso soup and a cabbage and sea vegetable salad. The chefs then cooked an appetizer of jumbo shrimp and grilled veggies, cracking jokes throughout the process. They also prepared garlic fried rice. Each person at the table was able to order their own main courses, which were also cooked right before our eyes. That made it a little awkward, as each entrée was finished at different times. I enjoyed chicken and steak, followed by a dessert of coconut ice cream.
Garden of the Geisha Show
After dinner, I attended the show Garden of the Geisha in the Stardust Theatre. It was by far the best entertainment of the cruise and included music, dancing, and aerial acrobatics. The acrobatics made me rather nervous, as the couple who performed swung out over the audience as they did their thing. After the show, they had a special good bye from the crew where all the officers, chefs, and representatives of the other crew departments came on the stage and sang a farewell song to enthusiastic applause.
Chocoholic Buffet
Later that night at 10:00 pm there was a chocoholic buffet in the Garden Café. A considerable crowd formed waiting for the buffet to open. The spread included chocolate cakes, pastries, ice cream, fondue, and edible centerpieces. I enjoyed a slice of blackforest cake and a mini éclair.
More Alaska Cruise Diary
1. Day Before & Day 1 Boarding
2. Day 2 At Sea & Day 3 in Juneau
3. Day 4 Skagway & Day 5 Glacier Bay
4. Day 6 Ketchikan
5. Day 7 Victoria BC & Disembarkation
