Sitka, Alaska. We decided we have had enough tours so did a walking tour on our own. We tendered in from the ship to the shore using the life boats. I was glad to see our life boat was one that was used so I know it floats! We walked up “Main Street” looking in to some of the tourist stores. St. Michael’s Cathedral was in the center of town – an old Russian Orthodox Church. It was built in 1844 and restored after a devastating 1966 fire. It is filled with antique relics, gold, jewels and a 19th century silver-bound Bible.
This is the photo of the alter area. The men and
women worship on the right side while the women and children are on the left. Some services last over 3 hours. There are no seats!
Its collection of priceless Russian icons ranks
among the world’s finest.
This bear trap with a dog biscuit was inside a shop door with a "Closed" sign on the door!
We continued up the street to the Sitka National Historical Park. It is the oldest national park unit in Alaska. Along the trails are 18 totem poles. The fort site is the location of a decisive battle between colonist Russians and Tlingit Indians in 1804. The battle marked the last major Native resistance in Sitka to European domination of Alaska.
Back towards the ship we headed to the Russian Cemetery. I really enjoyed walking there and seeing all the old and new grave markings. The crosses have 3 “bars” on them.
Back on board the ship we enjoyed our evening meal and the show. On the way back to our cabin we saw a beautiful sunset to end our day.
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