Tidings of Joy: Sitka By The Sea

The early morning brought more fog but we made our way regardless and once we rounded the corner into Neva Strait it subsided a bit. We were both really excited to be heading into a town after weeks of no cell service and nothing open. By 11a.m. the harbormaster had hot birthed us into a fishing boats slip and we were tied up and ready to see everyone and the town. We had some lunch and later on Lucy and Bill stopped by and we caught up and visited for a while then took a walk down the dock to their boat. Lucy told us how two other American Tug boats they knew were in town and a group of 10 of us were going to dinner that night. Thrilled to be around other humans we of course excepted the invite. Everyone got along great and it was if we had all known each other for a long time. After dinner we hit the famous Pioneer Bar for a nightcap then back to the Tidings of Joy for more gab. It was a great night.

En Route to Sitka

Fishing Boat

En Route to Sitka

Sitka Harbor

Docked in Sitka

Bill & Lucy

Downtown Sitka

Dinner Group

Pioneer Bar

Since it was our first morning with no travel since Glacier Bay we slept in and went really slow enjoying our coffee and taking in the view of the harbor before deciding what to do. Eventually we headed into town to explore and see the shops. At some point Lucy texted and we met up with her and Bill at Ernie's pub for a drink then walked up to the top of Castle Hill where we had a great view of town and the harbor. This is the site where the land transfer between Russia and the U.S. took place. Lots of Russian history here. Later that evening we met Chuck and Margaret for pizza at Mean Queen.

Interesting House in Sitka

Ernie's Bar

Cathedral Downtown Sitka

Salt Tasting at Alaska Salt

Top of Castle Hill with Lucy & Bill

View from Castle Hill

Mean Queen

The next day our sightseeing continued and the 6 of us (Chuck, Margaret, Bill, Lucy and us) walked through town to Totem Park and then onto the Rapture Center. Totem Park is what is sounds like a pretty green park with nice paths that have a lot of old totems around to look at. It was a beautiful park and a nice walk. Through the park and up the street is the Rapture Rehabilitation Center where they rescue eagles, owls and any other birds that have been injured (mostly by man), rehabilitate them and then send them back into the wild. While they are recovering and rehabilitating the public is able to see them and a ranger walks you through giving information about the birds and the center. It was both sad and interesting. After our long walk 16,000 steps we were all tired and retired to our own boats and had a quiet evening.

Walk to Totem Park

Walking Through Totem Park

Me & Lucy Totem Park

Jeff & I Totem Park

Totem Park

Totem Being Built

Totem Park

Stream in Totem Park

Raptor Center

Eagles in Raptor Center

Raptor Center

After much sightseeing we needed to have a chore day. After being away from port for so long with no water or cell service we needed to do things like: laundry, boat washing, blogging, cleaning the boat, catching up on emails and phone calls and reprovisioning. This was our day for that. Later that day Jean from Big Red asked us to dinner with the group at the Channel Club. They had a van they would send to the marina to pick us all up and bring us home after. How nice. So our group now down to 8 because Eileen & Dan left went to dinner. The company, food and views were all great and it was fun to be socializing and feel somewhat back to normal after the year of covid isolation.

The next morning the chores and errands continued. We went to the hardware store, marine store and office supply store. We also attempted to go to the farmers market which by the time we got there was pretty much over and nothing was left. Oh well. We then continued onto the Cathedral and the Sheldon Jackson museum. Another action packed day. I got 22, 000 steps. We also managed to face time with our friends Randal and Michelle and then walked back into town for live music for 4th of July weekend. The band was fun and it was full of young people. The wind was gusty and cold and finally we retreated to the Pioneer Bar for one last beer before heading home for the night.

St. Michaels Cathedral

4th of July Street Fair

Outdoor Concert

Dancing Outdoor Concert

Pioneer Bar

Yesterday was the 4th of July and a holiday we always love and look forward to. We were told a couple of days ago that they barge with all the fireworks on it got stuck in Canada and wouldn't be here until the 10th so no fireworks for us. Oh well. It's been years since Jeff and I have seen fireworks on the 4th and we don't mind at all. Instead we walked to town with Bill & Lucy and watched the parade with them and Chuck and Margarett. It was really cute and sweet and Jeff managed to get a lot of candy. After we walked to the Bishops House for one last bit of touring and then went over to Chuck and Margarett's boat to visit.

Tomorrow we leave Sitka after 8 fun filled days. It's a great fun town and we were so happy to see our friends and hope we can see everyone again before we leave Alaska.