Hello Friends!
Beyond Beautiful!
I recently took a trip to Southeast Alaska! I can’t even begin to describe the beauty of it—and I’m a writer! Majestic, wild, peaceful, remote, rugged, and spiritual are a few words that immediately come to mind. This is God’s country and you simply have to experience this magical place for yourself.
Hello Alaska!
This was my first time visiting Alaska. I chose the cruise option because I wanted to check out several areas in one trip, it was a great deal, and since I am still just a part-time nomad, I was limited on time. I hate the word limited! It just doesn’t fit me. It didn’t take long for me to decide that I will return to this enchanted land some day when my full time nomad status is achieved!
Icy Strait Point—Adventure Beyond the Port
The first stop on this amazing journey was Icy Strait Point, the only private cruise ship destination in Alaska. The port offers a glimpse into the salmon industry with its restored cannery, museum, and fishing boats.
Fishing is the livelihood of Alaskans
Icy Strait is home to the world’s largest zipline, and is surrounded by the Tongas National Forest which makes it ideal for viewing wildlife. There are a couple of eateries and shops, and plenty of opportunities for recreational tours. The port area itself is a little touristy as most cruise ports are, and although I wanted to ride the zip line, that’s not what I came here for. I wanted to experience the real Alaska—as much as possible.
A very economical tour is the open air tram that takes you through part of the Tongas which is actually a rain forest. As soon as you enter the forest, you are in another world.
Tongas National Forest
I honestly felt like I had stepped into Jurassic Park! The trees and plants are huge in size and there is an air of mystery that keeps you spellbound.
Along the shore at Icy Strait Point
You exit the forest along the shoreline where you can walk and watch for whales and other wildlife.
Welcome to Hoonah, Alaska!
Hoonah—The Real Deal
While on Icy Strait, you must visit the nearby village of Hoonah which is about a mile and a half from the port. You can walk the dirt road or take a shuttle. The more opportunities you have to put your feet on Alaskan ground the better, but it rains often here, so if you want to avoid the dampness and mud, take the shuttle. However, a light rain mist definitely sets the tone of the Pacific Northwest, so I didn’t mind it at all! Another must do is the Chookaneidi—a cultural performance/celebration by the Tlingit (pronounced Tinget) natives conveyed through dance and theatrics. The theater is just a short distance from the dock. No photography is permitted during the show. Please respect that request!
A walk around this community shows how the people here really live.
Simple living at its best!
Homes are very modest
Totem poles appear throughout the community
and landscaped with necessities rather than niceties. Totem poles rise up throughout the village, telling ancient stories of the Tlingit natives. People live simply here and along with the fishing industry, they depend greatly on tourism.
My special find in Hoonah!
I did find a treasure here!
Although there is a huge shop at the Icy Strait port, this is Hoonah’s “premier gift shop”
Your support is much appreciated through the purchase of local and regional items, many of which are handmade. My find was a scarf of the same colors and similar designs as the tribal attire worn by the Tinget natives during the Chookaneidi.(also same colors as my high school alma mater, the Lawrence County Bulldogs!)
Camping Wild Alaska—BLM Land, Respect it!
Most of Alaska is BLM land (Bureau of Land Management), which means unless you are on private land, you are on Federal land, and are allowed to camp anywhere up to 14 days before moving to another spot, with no permits required. This is true for most all BLM land anywhere in the US—a great asset for nomads! Most BLM land is in the west—even better for me; as that is where I have always been drawn to.
The village of Hoonah and the port of Icy Strait Point cover seven miles. Outside of that you may car or tent camp anywhere, but it is all primitive. There are no designated campsites which means there are no services. Anywhere you go you will be boondocking, so you need to be completely self-sufficient. There are a few primitive cabins for rent. You may reserve by calling 907-945-3631 or online at the US Forest Service website http://www.fs.fed.us. I spoke with the Hoonah District Ranger Office and was told it was a good idea to call for the latest information on the area. This is true when visiting any BLM land anywhere in the US.
Bears Rule!
Icy Strait Point is an island so it is only accessible by boat or plane. Groceries are delivered there twice a week, so keep that it in mind when stocking provisions if you go camping. AND–You must be bear aware! This is their home and you are just a visitor—remember that! There are over 3,500 bears on the island, about 2 per square mile. They outnumber people 4 to 1 (which I love!) Take precautions, give them space and just use common sense. You must store food properly in bear proof containers! You can learn more about that also on the US Forest Service site http://www.fs.fed.us. I did spot a bear in a different section of the Tongas, near Ketchikan–it was magnificent! Pics will be posted on that portion of the blog coming soon (Alaska-Part 4), so stay tuned. By the way–no RV parks on Icy Strait folks—it’s an island!
Coming Up….
Go Wild! Camp & Cruise Alaska Part 2—Skagway, RV Parks, Backcountry, Whitepass Railroad, Klondike, Yukon
Be sure to catch Part 2 of my Alaska article coming soon! Until next time, remember…Don’t Wait to Live!
See ya down the road!
Catrina