Ketchikan - 238/365

Today was Ketchikan day! 

 It was so exciting to finally see land after 24 hours of not. We all were up early peeking out our balconies just waiting for our first real peek at Alaska. 

We finally docked and just saw this tiny little town surrounded by mountains with misty clouds covering the tops. It was breathtaking!!! 

 We all got off the ship right at 7:00am and were off to the shops. There was a great little shop just steps from the ship. It was a little wet from a previous rain. It kind of had the look that more rain would come, so I got myself a water proof Alaska jacket. Luckily, I never needed it for the rain! It was beautiful!

Our first stop after shopping, was the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. It was a little museum in the center town, that focused on Alaska history and wildlife. It had some extensive wildlife diorama's that were just amazing. Reagan loved the fish tanks, and seeing the stuffed bears. We also got a little peek at the lumberjack show across the street from the window on the second floor.

After we explored there, we met up with Pam and strolled around some back streets. We stumbled on a cool little area called, Creek Street. It was a historic area of town original to the mining days. Back then, it was the entertainment district of town. It's not an actual street as we would think of it today. The street was built up on wooden stilts on the side of a river. It was really something to see. 

There was a little inlet right there where we stood and watched the salmon jumping out of the water. Reagan was fascinated to see big fish jumping out of the water, at least once a minute. The tour guide later in the day, told us that it’s the female salmon that jump, because they are trying to loosen their eggs for breeding. Interesting! 

After a little more shopping, we were off to our “Lighthouses, Totems, & Eagles” tour. We got on a bus, that took us to a boat. The boat was really nice and pretty spacious. We all got up on the top deck, which was great. We almost had the whole thing to ourselves except for a few people. The tour itself was really relaxing. We got to see a bunch of eagles, baby eagles and seals. The totems and lighthouse part was a little weak, but we still really enjoyed it. 

Captain Rob was awesome and was full of knowledge of the area. He pointed out all these amazing houses, big and small, along the water. He told us a story about each one and the people that live inside. It was fascinating. 

We finally got out to some open water, where on the earlier tour they spotted a whale. Captain Rob got out a bright red trumpet and started playing away. He said that most times he plays it, a whale will pop out. Sure enough, about a half hour later on the way back in, we got to see a wild Humpback Whale!! It was amazing to see it's giant head pop out of the water! Nana got some amazing pictures of it. It was truly spectacular!

On the way back, they had some snacks for everyone. Reagan ate about 15 Oreos, but basically, just took them apart and licked the cream. They had some salmon spread for crackers, that everyone but me and Jim, enjoyed. We're not huge fish people. 

Captain Rob even called Reagan up to drive the boat for a few minutes! She just absolutely loved it!  A few minutes after Reagan was done driving, Captain Rob went back to his talk. He mentioned something being dangerous and said, "Almost as dangerous as letting a two-year-old drive my boat!" It was too funny!

After the tour, we explored Ketchikan a little bit more, then all went back to the ship to rest before dinner. 

After we got cleaned up for the evening, we were off to the Dora meet and greet! She was SO EXCITED! She ran right up to her and gave her the biggest hug! 

This evening, all 15 of us had dinner at Tsars Palace. It was delicious!!! We had some tables by the window where we did catch a glimpse of some dolphins and then a spout from a whale exhaling. You just always have to have your eyes open to the waters of Alaska.

After dinner, we went down to the Crystal Atrium where they were having some Neil Diamond music. We spent some time there, then took Reagan back over to Fizz where she could run on the dance floor. There was another little girl busting a move to the music, so they had a ball together. 

It was an amazing first day in Alaska! What a beautiful, beautiful state! 

The photo of the day is Reagan driving Captain Rob's boat...

The next is our favorite little Creek Street....

And finally, Reagan with Dora and Diego...