May 30, 2013 Thursday

                             Docked in Ketchikan at 9 am and departed at 5:30.  High 14c.

At breakfast we sat with Eddy & Charlene, a lovely couple from Sarnia.  

Ketchikan's population is just over 8000 within the city limits.
  Also known as the rain capital of Alaska. 

Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer.
 The fastest sightseeing vessel in Alaska.

Eagle on its nest.

Ketchikan is in the heart of 17 million acre Tongass National Rain Forest.
And that's why the boat cruise is called:  Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer.  

Dingy speed boats.

4 1/2 hour tour.

Average rain fall of 160". Almost 14 feet.  

New Eddystone Rock is a pillar of basalt. It is the central core of a 5-million-year-old volcano that is left as a 237-foot island after the softer rock surrounding the old volcano eroded away.  

The islands and the surrounding ocean has an amazing array of wildlife.
The temperate rain forest environment is not only one of the most beautiful places on earth:
 it's also one of the most biologically productive places.  

So many waterfalls.

The steep cliff walls of Rudyerd Bay are heavily scraped and scarred due to the grinding action of the glaciers that once flowed here. 

Stunning colors on the rocks. Pictures don't do it justice. 

Shrub and rock resemble a person.

Ice man sitting on shore. 

Harbor Seals on shore. 

More harbor seals.

Here is where the boat turned around and we were served lunch.
Clam chowder or vegetarian chili with crackers.  Coffee available anytime. 

Rain and drizzle on the whole tour...but...that's all they get here.
Still a great outing.  Back at the ship at 3:30.

Marcel found a store that sells bamboo clothing.
We bought 2 shirts for Marcel.   

We were both ready for a meal at 5:30.  And more desserts.
Eyeing them is almost better than eating them.  I said "almost".  

I ordered apple strudel, and this is what I got. So attractive. 

After a great meal, we first went to see:  Comedy Magician Lorenzo Clark in the Princess Theater.  Then the acrobatic street entertainer Cory Tabino.

All the entertainment on this cruise has been great.
Two more sleeps.  Goodnight all.