Please disregard anything I might previously have written about Skagway - what I meant to inquire about was Ketchikan. This is what happens when you try to read cruise schedules while dealing with broken water mains, plumbers and 4th grade grammar exercises.

What to do for a day in Ketchikan on September 21th? We don't want to do any of the cruise ship excursions offered. Rather, we are looking to get outside to see the flora and fauna rather than gold rush history or gift shops. Looking for something in the "gentle hike" or small boat tour realm rather that "mountain climb." Suggestions?

I went kayaking. It was very easy going and really special. Took us away from the tourist route completely.

Very few tourist activites will still be going that late in the year and many of the shops (owned by the cruise lines) will be closed.

You are saved!

Weather providing you can take yourself on a nice hike and keep your money in your pocket.

That's what I do.

A nice hike sounds great, what trail? Where do we start? That's what I need suggestions on.

Check out the siting for the Bridge to Nowhere, a $320 million Federal project for a town of 8900 people. Gauge the boldness of Alaska's politicians as they seek to shovel other people's money.

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Budget/wm889.cfm

My hope for all of you against the "bridge to nowhere" never have to stay at the "airport in nowhere" (also known as the regional airport at Ketchikan) after the last ferry to town has gone- or the weather is too bad for the ferry to cross to Ketchikan safely- they have a really hard floor, no facilities-rlb

the airport to nowhere does have facilities. It has a toilet.

I've slept on the floor of many airports in Alaska. It is a fact of life.

The Bridge to Nowhere was a horrible waste of money!

This old women is content sleeping on the floor in an airport when needs be.


So you want just about every American to pay a $1 so you don't risk sleeping on an airport floor?

Get over it! Our country can't afford thinking like that anymore.

You're on one of the last ships of the year, then.

There's plenty of easy walking right in the downtown area. If you're an ambitious hiker and have a few hours with decent weather, get a cab to take you to the Deer Mountain trailhead above town.

I was actually in KTN this past weekend. Other than having to do some advance planning and funding to accommodate the Airport to Nowhere, it's a great place to spend a few days.

Thought I'd get back to you all with a mini "trip report" on Ketchikan.

First of all, we had a brilliant, sunny day. The locals kept telling us there hadn't been a day that nice all summer.

When we left the ship about 9 a.m. - I love the way we docked right downtown - my son spotted a "Duck" tour vehicle, which he loves. So we went into the visitors center on the dock, and bought tickets for the next available tour, at 1 p.m.

That gave us 4 hours to wander, so we set off to find the alleged city park with the totem poles. Instead we found Whale Park, which is a street median about the size of a single whale, with 1 totem pole. Photo op took 3 minutes.

Then we saw the sign for Southeast Alaska Discovery Center and wandered in to check it out. Turned out to be a wonderful way to kill an hour - the staff handed my son their scavenger hunt form and we had a great time finding all the animals and info needed for the hunt. He collected his prize, we checked out the bookstore and headed on out.

Next we needed stamps to mail a few things. Well, the Post Office is in the back of the taxidermy store, a definite "cultural experience" for us. And, yes, the PO was open on a Sunday morning.

We could see the base of the tram heading up to the lodge on the hill, so we headed over to ride it. To reach it, you cross a bridge over Ketchikan Creek - which we could smell 100 feet in advance. There were thousands of salmon, both alive and dead, in the creek. It's spawning season, and the fish head home for that. Another photo op.

After the fish photo op, we rode the tram up the hill: great weather = incredible views of the surrounding area below. [note: contrary to what the guide books say, the tram is not free, it was $2/person] There are a variety of trails back down to town, or you can head further into the hills from there. We took "Married Man's Trail" which went through the woods and to the mid range of the creek. There's a look-out point along the trail where you can watch the fish make amazing jumps back up stream.

Strolled back to the ship for lunch through the tourist shopping district. Most tourist businesses were open, but all had big "End of Season Sale" signs.

Lunch on the ship, then it was time for the "Duck" tour. This one wasn't authentic WWII vintage because of Coast Guard regulations, but still was both quite silly and much fun. Guides were guilty of many bad jokes, and the water section of the tour had more spectacular views of the city.

Followed the tour with a hike to the grocery store, and then back the ship after a very nice day.

Very glad you had a wonderful day! Great weather as well. And you didn't spend all your money in one place. Great planning and great memories.