Saturday May 25th, 2024
In boating circles Ketchikan is well known as a place where you can actually get things DONE, find supplies for both your boat and your galley, and generally have access to services that are unavailable during most of the journey through Canada. We wanted to give a “shout out” to a couple of places and services we have used and had an excellent experience with.
Restaurants-There are a lot of good ones, but last night we dined at one of favorite restaurants in Ketchikan, The Fish House. Great food, lively atmosphere and wonderful local brews. The restaurant is owned by LaDonna Rose who is the author of “My Tiny Alaskan Oven” Cookbook, and the food is great!
Boat repairs and equipment-In addition to a great vibe, Ketchikan is an excellent stop over for any needed boat repairs. We strongly recommend The Bay Company which is walking distance from Thomas Basin. It is family run by knowledgeable, helpful staff. Last year they turned us on to a mechanic that repaired our Bow Thruster. This year they supplied us with the needed float switch for our shower bilge.
General Marine Supplies- The Tongas Trading Company has a good selection of outdoor equipment and knowledgable staff. We like the one that is out by the Safeway.
The Galley—There are several options but the closest large grocery store is the Safeway. Ok, it is a Safeway, but it has most of what you need. If you are staying at Bar Harbor North or South Marina it is just up the ramp, if you are in town there is a free bus that runs down there every 20 min (Supposedly). There is also a very good Liquor store. We enjoy single malt scotch and they carry a nice selection.
Fabric Store—Now I know this is not essential for most of you, but for my wife Marlene this is important! The best one is Studio 103 at the Plaza. They have a great selection of fabric in general, but they also carry several lines that are unique to Alaska, so definitely worth a stop!
Health Care-Unfortunately we do know something about this! Marlene needed urgent care for a minor medical problem both last year and again this year! She highly recommends Power of Wellness Family Health Clinic and Urgent Care Services on Tongass Ave. down past the Safeway and near the Hospital. Last year she called and was seen there even though they were closed that day. She explained the situation and our need to depart the following day, and they immediately said, “Come on over we will take care of you”. This time she called and got a next day appointment. The care was great and they have great connections with other local providers. She also recommends Island Pharmacy that is next door.
The Yellow Taxi Service—We like to walk, but sometimes you need a lift! Especially when you have a large box of Washington wine that you have had shipped in! The Yellow cabs run up and down Tongass Ave, and we have found the drivers to be courteous and helpful. Call the main number 907-225-5555 and they we will get where you need to go quickly and with a smile.
Ketchikan International Airport- While nobody thinks they are going to have an emergency or a family situation that would require them to fly back home, it does happen. A ferry will take you across the Tongass Narrows to the airport. There are 3 flights a day that will get you to Seattle in under two hours.
Our cruise to Meyers Chuck today was short and uneventful. It took us about 3.5 hours and the sea conditions were smooth. Along the way we did have an encounter with Mickey Mouse. He was coming in hot at 19.3 knots.
When we arrived here at Meyers Chuck we were surprised to find the dock almost full. Last summer when we arrived there was only one boat on the dock. Fortunately the wind was low and we were able to parallel in to the dock is a reasonably challenging spot. Thank God for thrusters. We are looking forward to a calm evening and we will determine in the morning if we stay another day or can travel onwards. The conditions, at present, are mixed.
