Precious Memories: Rainy Day in Sitka

Carnival Panorama 18-Day Transpacific Cruise Long Beach to Yokohama

Sitka, Alaska -- Saturday, August 28, 2024

We were supposed to be in Endicott Arm yesterday but because of a medical emergency as we started entering the channel, the captain decided that we should turn around and head towards Juneau. The passenger was picked up by the Coast Guard about an hour away from Juneau. At first, the captain said he would take us to a channel that no cruise ship had been before, but after a while, he announced that the idea was scraped by the port authority. The rest of the day was treated like a regular day at sea.

This would be our third time back in Sitka in the last 12 months and there is really not much we needed to do other than walking around town. Getting off the ship early makes it much easier to get on the shuttles without the long line, so we decided to start early anyway. We left the ship right when they were ready for passengers to get off. Eurodam was docked next to us and their passengers got off before us so when we got to the shuttle stop there were already people getting on the bus. It was OK, we were in town in no time.

Another rainy day ahead as we docked.

Hello, Eurodam! Good to see you again.

It has been raining since we got up and rained the whole morning but we decided to go ahead just so we don’t waste this port day. After getting off the bus, we walked over to the Totem Museum. On the way it reminded me so much of last year trips here on Cunard QE and all our travel companions whom we met on board.

There were salmon swimming up the fish ladder at the Sitka Sound Science Center and it was quite a sight to see.

workers were busy separating the salmon that came up the ladder

It was rainy and wet all the way to the Indian River where we were hoping to see salmons. The water was rushing and we couldn’t see any fish. But when we looked further, at the edge of the river bank, there were many salmon trying to swim upstream. They are quite smart. Instead of fighting the strong current, they took small ‘steps’ swimming upstreaming little by little at the edge of the river. What a struggle they had to go through to reach their destination.

Salmon struggling along the edge of the river.

Then we took the trail back to the visitor center. What a beautiful walk with so much green plants and forest of beautiful trees. We also saw a bald eagle on a pile of woods on a sand bar. I swear, we even heard bear growling! LOL! It was definitely a nice walk if only it wasn’t wet and rainy. My feet were soaking wet but it was still an interesting experience. This was the first time out of our 11th times in Alaska that I thought a pair of waterproofed shoes should be in order.

Walking in the forest, not an everyday privilege for us.

St. Peter's by the Sea

Then we walked back to town, had a taste of the Black Cod Tips with rice, and the Russian dumplings. We looked for the seafood chowder stand but they were not opened for some reasons. Oh, well... next time!

Just a sample of the famous Black Cod Tips with rice at one of the food trucks in town.

Must have the Russian dumplings!

Where we got the dumplings.

Much quieter in town this time around with two ships in port.

We decided it was time for us to get back to the ship for lunch. There was a line for the shuttle bus but not too bad. We were the last ones to get on that first bus that came by. By then, the rain stopped and the ride back to port was a beautiful one.

Back at the cruise terminal.

Back on the ship, we enjoyed a late lunch at the Lido without the crowds. Then just relaxed in our cabin before the ship set sail again in the evening. We ended up having a late dinner at the dining room, which worked out fine for us. Usually, after 7:00, the dining room is quieter and the wait is not as long.