Day Six--Happy Fathers Day--Ketchikan

This is Janie writing the start of this blog. As usual, Jeff had everything all planned out for our Sunday adventures, but of course, we all had other plans to surprise him for Father’s Day. The plan was for the kids to deliver “breakfast in bed” from room service between 7:00 and 7:30. Logan had advised me of what to do to “keep Dad is bed”. However, Jeff woke up at 6:00 as we were slowing approaching the Ketchikan pier. He was ready to get everyone up and going and that was that. I got the kids up and going and they came in and gave him his gift, a float plane trip over the Misty Fjords. He was speechless, basically and totally surprised as loves watching all of the sea planes land and take off. So off to breakfast and then Jeff and boys headed out to their sea plane trip. Sara and I took off shopping and of course, we were very successful.

The sea plane trip was wonderful with a landing on a small lake off one of the Fiord. The boys and dad were able to stand on the pontoons and take pictures. As we landed back by the ship we circled and banked hard to turn and follow another plane in for the landing. About 100 yards back, which was very cool.. Drake said at dinner that this trip had the most beautiful sights he has ever seen.







When the boys returned we all boarded the ship for a quick lunch and drop off of the booty obtained by Sara and Janie. Some new Alaska rain/fleece gear and an Alaska Rain Boot chew toy for Cooper (Sara’s Dog). Everyone then departed for a quick hike around town to see the Hatchery (opted not too after learning the Salmon were not yet running) and Married Man’s trail. This is a creek that the Salmon run on as well as a historic red light district during the Gold Mine era.




Then we were joined the bigger group to watch the Lumber Jack Show. If you’ve ever watched TV you saw the show with some built in humor. Too say the least these guys are athletes that are masters of their trade. Great show and everyone had fun. Then a quick walk back to the ship to make the 2:30 boarding deadline. After everyone dropped stuff in their rooms we headed to the deck for departure. What a wonderful site to see the majestic green mountains, water, sea planes, boats, and several Bald Eagles. We had them flying over the ship back and forth. They are quite the sight to see and that good ole USA pride in your throat feels good. They are now off the endangered species list!!! Drake found his way to the outdoor court to play some more soccer with his new found gang. A bunch of guys who can’t sit still it seems for one second. They are playing BB, Soccer, Volleyball or Dodge Ball at one time or another. As we headed out of the passage to more open water (islands all around so really not out at sea) we saw a USA Nuclear Submarine head out with a Coast Guard escort. The sub passed in front of the ship no more than a ¼ mile out, so it was very easy to see and right their in front of us.

Janie and Jeff hit the gym while Sara and Logan took some down time. Drake went to explore and hook up with his new gang on the ship. Tonight is dress casual night at dinner, so of course we had to do the ole clothes change. Jeff and Janie went to the headliner show before dinner. A lady stand up comedian/singer was the performer. A lot of old people jokes, but overall very funny and entertaining.

We all met up for dinner and sat at our regular table that is set for 10 people, but so far we are the only ones dining each night. Logan had three servings of risotto with scallops and Drake two servings of Strawberry Bisque, Jeff the Garlic Soup and bisque. Janie both had the risotto and tomato salad. Sara out did us all with the tomato salad, risotto and strawberry bisque.
After dinner Drake found his clan and headed out for activities. The rest headed to the pool tables. The tables are set to self balance with the movement of the ship. It is very interesting to take a shot when the table is moving. This keeps the balls from rolling all over the place. After pool, we play Scrabble and watched Drake and his group hanging out at the tail end of the ship.

Another late night for all with Janie and Dad calling it quits at midnight, Logan and Sara not far behind and of course Drake anchoring around 2:30. It should be an interesting wake up tomorrow morning; however we get to sleep in if all goes well.

Ketchikan was a great visit with mostly sunny sky, which we’ve been told is not the norm with hundreds of inches of rain each year. Hopefully that weather holds out all week.

With limited coverage you’ll probably get the next few days all at once when we get to Juneau, AK.