Our first port and our first time setting foot in Alaska was in the city of Sitka. Sitka has a fascinating history that is blended with the native Tlingit culture and Russian. All of our original planned excursions had been cancelled. So, Michael and I did one together and Amber and Beth did another together. Hunter, unfortunately, was experiencing some seasickness and stayed in his stateroom.
Michael and Vicky
We did an excursion that we would get to experience raptors, bears and sea otters. It was highly recommended by a crew member. However, due to the rough water the sea otter part of our excursion was cancelled.
Alaska Raptor Center
The Raptor Center tries to rehabilitate injured birds with the hope of returning them back into the wild. However, some are injured too severely to fully recover and survive in the wild. These non-releasable birds, then join what is called the Raptors-in-Residence team that helps teach the public about raptors history and habitats.
We entered through the Flight Training Center, which is a specially designed viewing corridor where visitors are able to see the raptors flying, exhibiting natural behaviors, and preening. This spot is where they are getting ready to be released back into the wild. Michael and I then ventured into the Raptor Weathering Yard, for the Raptors-in-Residence it is used to make sure they are exposed to the natural weather elements, like the rain we were experiencing during our visit. This yard helps both their physical and mental health. The raptors we saw were various owls, a falcon, a hawk, and eagles. The cutest raptor was the Northern Saw-whet Owl, it was a very small owl. This one was missing an eye.
On property is a nature trail, that takes you through the Tongass National Forest. Fun Fact: Tongass is the nation’s largest national forest coving most of Southeast Alaska. The Tongass is also a rainforest. We didn’t walk the whole trail due to being short on time for this stop. But for a short while, we did get to experience the lush rainforest with the rushing Indian River that had many sea gulls hunting for a snack.
Another section outside we explored was the Natural Eagle Habitat. This enclosure gives you an up-close watching experience. There are two types of eagles in this section 3 Bald Eagles (Sunset, Titan, and Thor) and 1 Golden Eagle (Oliver).
We were able to learn about each of the eagles. Sunset is a resident of Sitka, who was found near a power line with her wing severed at the wrist. She had lost the outer part of the wing that is used for propulsion and steering. She was given the name Sunset because that was the time of day she was found. Titan was sent from another center in 2006. His injury was so severe they had to amputate the wingtip. Thor a resident of Ketchikan, much wasn’t known how he got his injures on his wingtips and missing part of his foot. Oliver came from a center in Utah. His wing had to be amputated due to electrocution.
Fortress of the Bear
The Fortress of the Bear provides protection and care to orphaned bears in a natural environment. While we enjoyed the raptors, the bears were definitely our favorite. Probably because of just how cute and cuddly they looked and how much we know Lizzy would have loved this section too. We did bring back a cub for her (albeit a stuffed one).
Two of the bear habitats are in old repurposed water treatment containers. In order to open this Fortress, the facility had to show that these containers would work. To get licensed they raised hogs in them for a few months before allowing the first orphan bears in.
In one container is Toby, Lucky, and Chaik. Toby and Lucky are two siblings who came to the Fortress at 1 ½ years old because their mother died from eating plastic bags found in the garbage. Chaik holds the record for being the largest bear. Chaik was probably one of my favorites because he looked like he was smiling up at you.
In another habitat is Bandit, Smokey, and Tuliaan. Michael and I could only spot 2 bears. I couldn’t tell which one it was. Though I could tell which one was Bandit, who is a male from Juneau. Bandit is the largest of the three black bears. He is easily distinguished by his white heart-shaped patch of fur on his chest.
In the third habitat is Nuka and Nikiski. They were only 8 months old when they arrived at the Fortress. They were orphaned when their mother was shot and killed for breaking into someone’s chicken coop. Michael and I watched them tear apart some fish, well one did the other carried it around with them.
Sitka National Historical Park
This national historic park preserves the site of a battle between the invading Russians and indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit. Totem poles from Tligit and Haida area lines the park’s coastal trail. Michael and I opted to get out of the shuttle and walk around the visitor center and view some of the totem poles around the area. However, not knowing how long the trail around the coast would be we opted to take the coastal trail towards town.
In Town
Michael and I walked around town going in a few shops and turning around at St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral. The Cathedral was constructed between 1844 and 1848 and was by far the largest and most imposing religious edifice in Alaska until well into the 20th century. The present cathedral is a reconstruction of the original which was burned to the ground in January 1966. Parishioners and residents luckily able to rescue most of the cathedral’s icons, furniture, books, and other valuables.
We stopped into Cold Water Bar & Grill. Michael got the local IPA beer from Harbor Mountain Brewing, that was very hoppy. I not a fan of a very hoppy beer so got the seafood chowder. The chowder was very good and I was kind of sad I opted for a cup instead of a bowl.
Amber and Beth
With Amber and then later Beth’s excursions cancelled they did one together.
Alaska Raptor Center
They too visited the raptor center. Beth had to keep reminding Amber that she could not bring home the small Northern Saw-whet Owl. Guess I wasn’t the only one who thought that that owl was the cutest!
Sheldon Jackson Museum
This museum has a large collection of the indigenous peoples’ artifacts. They were able to see actual totems not replica totems that scatter the area of Sitka.
Sitka National Historical Park
Amber and Beth went on the hike that Michael and I opted not to. Which after hearing what they experienced Michael and I were very bummed that we didn’t make the time for it. The part we were bummed about was that they got to see salmon swimming up the creek. Though however the closer Amber and Beth got to the creek the more fish the smell.
While only hiking a small portion of the trail, they got to see many different totems along the way.
Amber’s favorite was the one that looks like “Gimli on top.”
Sitka offered all of us a different experience. While we might have been looking forward to all of our original excursions the ones we did we very enriching.
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