Sitka, Again!

2023 Cunard Queen Elizabeth - 29-Day Transpacific Yokohama to Vancouver

June 12, 2023 (Monday) -- Sitka

This is our second time stopping at Sitka on this cruise and we thought we can go on our own and do our own things this time around. 

There were some people who got on in Vancouver and insisted that they wanted to follow us wherever we go in port. So, we ended up taking them around again with a couple of people doing this again with us even though we were going to take them through the same route. 

After another boring breakfast, I decided to write a note to the Hotel Director about the Asian breakfast situation. Took it to the purser’s desk and dropped it off with the purser. Hoping to be able to make a difference in the breakfast menu.

Hello, Sitka!

The walk to Indian River was pleasant but this time we did not walk over to the Raptor Center since nobody was interested in going in the last time when we were here. Instead, we took the walk through the Totem Trail along the river. Son did that on the last trip on his own after his visit to the Raptor Center and told us that it was a really nice walk. We figured that this is a good chance to see this ourselves. 

I think this is such a beautiful church that I have to take pictures of it every time in port.

Another cruise ship anchored off the shore near the breakwater.

A beautiful sunny day with a new friend from Vancouver.

Crescent Bay

The walk took about half an hour and quite an easy walk along the Indian River out to the sound. Then we waited for 20 minutes so people can check out the museum before walking back into town. 

Totem Trail at the Sitka National Historical Park.

Indian River

No salmon at this time.

The cutes squirrel I have ever seen!

Such a pretty sight!

Indian River meeting the Bay with two cruise ships anchored off.

Many totem poles along the path.

This walk on the trail was definitely worth it and should be a "must-do" when in town. We have been in Sitka many times but this was the first time ever that we have done this. Highly recommended!

Back to see St. Peter's by the Sea. Never get tired of it!

Inside the church.

This is the bus stop that people can take the bus to the Fortress of the Bear.

At least it was when we were there. I've heard that the Fortress is temporarily closed. 

Right at the corner of Lincoln and Lake.

We also took the group to St. Michael’s, Pioneer Square and then Castle Hill before letting everybody go on their own. We were going to have the Fish and Chips at American Legion but unfortunately, they were all sold out. We got two orders of Russian Dumplings for MOR and his sister and brother-in-law to try. Then we went back to the seafood place at the parking lot and got two bowls of seafood chowder ($14 each). Apparently, we got one of the last orders before they were sold out. This was really tasty, creamy with lots of fish and shell fish pieces. This has to be the best chowder we’ve ever had. After the chowder we went and took the shuttle back to the ship.

Back of St. Michael's with the Russian Dumplings place on the right corner.

Inside the Cathedral.

Finally, a family picture.

Lovely music provided by this group.

Pioneers Home

The best seafood chowder here!

Back on board, we went to have some desserts and fruits at the buffet, another late lunch before the Malaysian Dinner at the buffet. Dinner was great with several interesting dishes served, like laksa, fried noodle, etc. Yes, we skipped MDR again. 

Laksa, not the best but good enough.

Tonight, while getting ready for bed, a call came from the chef at the Lido and explained that they will start serving porridge and rice in the morning again. It was so nice of them to take in suggestions and apply them in making guests happy. Thank you Queen Elizabeth!

What a beautiful sight as we sailed out of Sitka!

For video of this day, please click here.

"The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark."   -- James 3:5

Favorite Port in Alaska, Icy Strait Point

2023 Cunard Queen Elizabeth - 29-Day Transpacific Yokohama to Vancouver

June 11, 2023 (Sunday) -- Icy Strait Point

It was great that we get to visit ISP again. Can’t shake my memories of our first visit here with family members on the NCL Jewel cruise a few years back. That was the best ever yet. The second time here MOR was sick and did not get off the ship. Christian and I tried to get off on that rainy day but only ended up as far as the terminal area to use the Wifi. Then last year when MOR and I made the trip on Eurodam, we arrived here at night. Couldn’t see any thing and couldn’t go into Hoonah. We only did the gondola to the other side of the pier and visited the cannery. Let’s see how this time is going to be.

The reason I like Icy Strait Point is that it's not as commercial as the other ports and it is so much prettier as far as the scenery goes. 

We gathered in the morning as the ship moored into port. Then we walked off to the Adventure Center, went straight out to the Veteran’s Memorial Trail. 

Some excursion boats picked up passengers at the pier.

Walking into Adventure Center.

As I have mentioned it before, they do have Care Carts that assist those who can not take the long walk from ship side to the Adventure Center.

Duck Point Smoke House 

with an excellent view

Adventure Center

Orca Dream Sculpture

Million-Dollar view

Back of the cannery.

Tickets to get on the shuttles.

The walk was beautiful as the same as last time we did this. Unfortunately, there was no whales in the water but the scenery was amazing. We took it slowly because of the mobility issues that some in the group have. The 1.5-mile walk took about an hour and a half when we reached the town of Hoonah. We also found the house of the Chinese lady whom we read on the Chinese newspaper. She had put it on the market with a for sale sign posted along the highway.

At the start of the walk.

There are benches along the walk for breaks.

It's Sunday, so the town of Hoonah was very quiet. By the time we got there, it was exactly 11:00 and the church bell rang for Sunday worship. I would have loved to attend church here if not having people following us. A man came to tell us to stay on the main road because there’s bear sightings up near the hill. How exciting! 

 

Harbor of Faith Lutheran Church

City Hall

We walked down to the harbor and another gentleman told us about the eagle’s nest on that Eagle Nest Tree which we did not find the nest last time. There’s definitely something there as we looked this time with the two adult eagles standing guard at their nest.

Eagle Nest Tree

Beautiful habor.

After a brief rest at the souvenir stop, we turned around to walk back to the ship. A couple of people went back on the shuttle.

Resting outside The Shops.

The walk back was a little challenging since we were tired and it started to drizzle. Christian spotted a whale far away and later we all saw the spray and the tail. Definitely exciting after not seeing wildlife for most of our trip!

Spotted another bald eagle at the top of a tree while walking back to the ship.

We went back to the ship for a late lunch before coming back out for the gondola ride and visited the cannery museum. I accidentally found the Salvation Army mini donut shed opened and bought a dozen of mini donuts. They had many flavors to choose from and they sprinkled that whatever flavor you choose on the donuts. One can order two different flavors for the dozen and I ordered Birthday Cake and Boysenberry. They tasted just like that, like a piece of birthday cake and then the half dozen tasted Boysenberry. Not cheap, $9 a dozen which was gone in a couple of minutes but just think of it as charity and a must try when coming to ISP.

Taking the gondola to the Wilderness Landing on the other side.

A free ride.

I believe people can also walk the path underneath.

We saw a deer down there but couldn't get a picture fast enough.

Then we went to check out the cannery one more time...

...before getting back on the ship.

So peaceful and serene.

Past the the sculpture again.

For tonight’s dinner, we decided to skip MDR and went for the buffet. There’s more variety up there and we can each choose what we wanted instead of being restricted to the limited and repeated menu at the MDR. 

For video of our day in Icy Strait Point, please click here.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."   -- Mark 10:14