Our ferry from Juneau to Sitka was on the Fairweather, a high-speed catamaran. We arrived in Sitka in about four and one-half hours of pure beauty.

The Fairweather Ferry

Of course it was raining again this morning while we loaded onto the ferry. This time we loaded in from the back.

Loading the Ferry

A Deckhand Guides Bernie Into the Car Deck

Airline-like Seating

We were very comfortable in the recliners. There was another central seating area with comfortable chairs and tables near the snack bar. They had some sandwiches, refrigerated items, hot dogs and hot soup available for purchase if you wanted.

32 Knots

Almost to Sitka

Eventually the rain stopped but it remained cloudy and cool. We arrived at Sitka around 1:00 and went to Starrigavan U.S. Forest Service campground. The place was nearly empty so it’s just us and the bears.

Starrigavan US Forest Service Campground

Sitka is only about 9,000 in population so it didn’t take long to drive around it. We did stop to see Castle Hill. It’s a state park right in town and it’s where Russia transferred its Alaska claims to the United States in a ceremony there in 1867.

Castle Hill, Sitka, AK

Then we went to Sitka National Historical Park and walked the Totem Walk. This is a beautiful 2-mile loop through the rain forest on a wide well-groomed path. Along the trail is a collection of totem poles.

One of Several Totem Poles Along the Trail at Sitka National Historical Park

Tomorrow we take a ferry to Ketchikan. We board in the afternoon and will arrive in Ketchikan the next day after a 22.5 hour cruise. Don’t look for a blog tomorrow!!