Nehalem Bay

Nehalem Bay State Park has 265 electric/water sites, 18 yurts, 17 horse camp sites, 6 fly-in camp sites at airstrip plus hiker/biker camp.  Park has been constantly full since June...crazy busy!  Lots of Canadians & folks from Portland vicinity escaping the 90+ temps (coast is usually 20-25 degrees cooler).   A short walk over the sand dunes separate the campground from the ocean beach, which is super popular for play & relaxing & catching an awesome sunset!

I'm Back

Have arrived back in Newport.  Have gathered car, plants, home & everything are fine.  Will head out early in AM for Nehalem Bay & then get things back in order.  Will update previous posts with photos from camera.
Was an absolutely amazing awesome adventure...seriously thinking about returning in March or for next summer season.  Thanks for coming along!  :-) 

Goodbye Alaska

Has been the ultimate awesome adventure!  Departing on Alaska Air at 6:47pm, arriving in Seattle at 9:38pm.  Then on 29th at 9:35am will head to Albany on Amtrak & arrive at 4:10pm.  At 5:07pm taking shuttle bus back to Newport & this journey will end at 7:15pm.  Will gather up my possessions & be enroute to Nehalem Bay as a yurt host for 2 months.  Looking forward to the hosting life once again!

Creek Street

 

My last full day in Alaska.  With a beautiful day, I took to the streets for a walking tour.  Visited the Totem Heritage Center where original 19th century totem poles that were retrieved from uninhabited villages are on display.  Most all the totem poles I saw yesterday were re-carved by Native carvers. Should have visited this before the parks!

Too early to see salmon at the fish ladder in Ketchikan Creek.  Explored "Creek Street" which is next to the creek with a boardwalk & all the buildings on pilings.  In 1902, the area became a "red-light" district until 1954.  Now has historical homes, restaurants, shops, & museums (Dolly's House) ...quite interesting!

Totem Poles

Today was Totem Pole Day!  Visited 3 different parks & learned a lot.  Totem poles were not        worshipped, they were silent storytellers that helped people remember since there was no written language.  These totem art were by the Tlingit & Haida Indians of Southeast Alaska.                 .

  

Ketchikan

Arrived in Ketchikan at 11am.  Rainy most of the day.  4 cruise ships in harbor. Checked out visitors center & super nice library that opened in 2013.  Watched NBA draft & had snacks (cheese, crackers, fruit, cookies) with hostel managers, young couple who both just graduated from Arkansas, & guy from Texas...WOOHOO wouldn't have done that if I was home!

Zipline

Before leaving Juneau, I had to take a Zipline Expedition.  It was a perfectly beautiful day. Boarded a high speed boat for the base camp of a historic gold mine on Douglas Island.  Got outfitted & instructed.  16 zippers (youngest 10 yoa twins) & 4 guides took old 4x4 military truck for mountain climb to 1st platform.  There were 13 platforms, 10 ziplines, 2 suspension bridges, & then rappelled straight down from the final platform!  Almost a mile of ziplines with the longest being 783' & the highest point being 185'.  Was so much fun that I'm already looking forward to next years where ever that may be!
Took the city bus to within 2 miles of the ferry terminal.  While checking with clerk at small convenience store for directions, a lady customer offered me a lift.  I've been so very fortunate to have experienced so many acts of kindness while in Alaska.
Left at 4pm on Alaska Marine Highway's "Kennicott" ferry for 338 mile ride to Ketchikan with only 146 passengers (499 max).  Saw sea lions, orca whales, & porpoises.  Had a 6'x8' 2-berth roomette with outside porthole, which was room enough for me to be comfy.