Seaplanes are an essential mode of transportation here

Another sunny, warm and clear day in Alaska. Today we are on the ferry again for 10 hours for the voyage to Petersburg. At least the weather is being kind and we are leaving at 9am, a more sensible hour.

The Columbia, out ride for today. Bit more modern than our last ferry.

Backpackers can pitch their tent on the aft deck for free accommodation

The voyage today was very picturesque, largely aided by the weather, but there was also much more habitation on the islands and shorelines. The further north we went more snow covered mountains appeared. These ferries are a great way to travel.

Ketchikan International Airport. The only way to Ketchikan is by ferry.

We sailed though a fog bank only about 50 metres thick.

On the way to Petersburg we called in at Wrangell and took the opportunity to have a look at the town. Population of only a few hundred but cute.

Wrangell

One of the attractions of Wrangell are the Petroglyphs , stones carved some hundreds of years ago. We asked a local lady driving past where they were and she insisted on taking us there. We offered some money for petrol but she refused, saying “I just like to hear a different story”.

Our guide met us at the top of the stairs. Didn’t say much but knew where we wanted to go.

A petroglyph

The search is on

We had to hurry back to the boat and it was a bit of a hike. I was a bit slower than the others being a bit sore from yesterday’s hike. The new knees are still in training. Collette explained my situation to a passing driver who very kindly picked me up for the last 500m. This typifies all the locals we have so far encountered in Alaska and Canada.

A quad bike snow plough

Yum

Patsy, an indigenous worker in the fabric arts that Collette and Nicky found on the boat.

Getting artsy

A very flash log cabin

The closer we got to Petersburg the more picturesque the scenery. The last hour was through a very narrow passage and tricky navigating (unless you had a boat on the Broadwater).

A Bald Eagle guarding a Chanel marker

Petersburg is a very pretty town with strong Norwegian origins. We have a waterfront cottage with awesome views.

View from the front door

View from the back door

I have already taken about 100 photos and we have only been here an hour. But we have 2 full days in Petersburg so I will hold them back for tomorrow.

I leave you with just a sample.