Sitka

Sitka is another Alaskan town nestled under picturesque snow covered mountain. It’s summer but the snow is still abundant.

The town has a strong Russian presence even today stemming from the days when this was a Russian colonial outpost. The native population, the Tlingit, had several battles with the Russians until the hostilities were finally settled.

The Tlingit culture is very strong in the town and they are proud of their heritage keeping their traditions alive.

We went wandering on our own rather than taking an organised shore excursion. We were going to catch a bus that travelled around the main points of interest, but missed it at the port. By the time we had walked to the next stop we realised that everything was within easy walking distance. We climbed Castle Hill which looks over the town.

 

We came across a locally run non profit aquarium and salmon hatchery. You were encouraged to touch some of the star fish which seemed a little strange.

The locals told us that  we were very lucky to get a full view of Mount Edgecumbe, the volcano that overlooks the town as it had been obscured by cloud for over a month.

We found the Tlingit cultural museum and totem forest park.

We had a serene walk through the totem park which was located on a peninsular with a fast flowing perfectly clear stream on one side. It would have been great if the salmon were running up stream but it was the wrong time of year.

We even come across our first chipmunk. Claire was very excited but the photo was not great as it scurried off quickly.

 

Sitka is the location of the Alaskan raptor rehabilitation centre which takes in all sorts of birds injured by cars, plane and gunfire and attempts to get them back into the wild. Some of the birds are so damaged that they must remain at the centre.

While we were there we watched a couple of flightless bald eagles screech out at the circling eagles above.  We thought that they we calling to them but one of the attendants told us that they warning them off their territory.

Peter tried a reindeer hotdog which was excellent however he managed to get mustard on his shirt, pants, socks and shoes. Some things never change.

Overall of the Alaskan towns we visited we both agreed that Sitka was our favourite.