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!