PETERSBURGJul 29, 2008
|
|
LECONTE GLACIER
MEMORIAL TO LOCAL FISHERMEN
| Oh happy days!!!!!!!!!! The sun was out today, what a treat. We spent the day enjoying the Norwegian town, Petersburg. 2,000 years ago the Tlingit natives used the area for fishing, then a Norwegian, Peter Buschmann turned the area into a year-round community. Fishing continues to be the financial backbone to the economy, processing more than $34.2 million at the canneries. The current population is 3,055, located on Mitkof Island that is 211 square miles. The average temperature in July is 56 degrees. We started our day at a small local bakery, we each had a cinnamon bun, warm and delicious. Our first real stop of the day was at the small visitor center, with an energetic employee that was very helpful guiding us on what to do and see. We walked a short block to the Clausen Museum, our ferry friends, Marvin and Lynette were there, too. We watched a dvd documentary that outlined the history of Petersburg, then we were given a guided tour through the museum. They had small booklets that were on display, and we were encouraged to read a couple of them. It is a 3rd grade project, the students have to write about their parents occupation, how their family arrived in Petersburg, and an interesting event in their life. We read a couple, good stuff. We left downtown and headed south, to the Tongass National Forest. There was an area with bald eagles, Bridget went down to the water's edge for better pictures, and came back smelling like the "swamp thing", but enjoyed being close enough for some great shots. I stayed up on the road, and have no pictures to show for it, but I did stay clean!!! We also saw a black-tail deer and her triplets. We continued south, and encountered road construction and "end of pavement". We turned on to Three Lakes Loop Road, and enjoyed a ride through the forest. LeConte Glacier came in to view, and the three lakes. We saw a porcupine scurrying along the side of the road, but he scooted into the brush before we could get a pic. We came back to the RV, and changed in to clean clothes and headed in to town. We stopped at a restaurant and had, guess what, you got it, fish and chips. Lucky ate his so quick, he snorts when he scoffs them down. Definitely not a dainty eater!! We browsed the local shops, most are owned by the wives of the fishermen. We stopped by the fishermen memorial with the names of all the locals that have been lost at sea. It is located right next to the Sons of Norway Hall that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We got back in the PT, and went to Outlook Park, there is a viewing area with fixed binoculars (whale watching) and a great view of the Coastal Range. We had a full day, enjoyed the sights and the sun. Now we need to do a few chores, and get ready for our morning ferry to Wrangell. |
Advertisement 
|
