Still in Sitka. It will be 2 weeks tomorrow but the end is in sight.

Repairs on Bowhaus' port engine continue with some real progress over the past few days. Parts were flown in from the Lower 48 and parts were flown out for specialty work in Juneau.  We hope it is possible to get underway again by the weekend.  

In the meantime, we have continued to enjoy Sitka which remains our favorite port in Southeast Alaska.   

We visited the Alaska Raptor Center, one of only two such spots in Alaska that cares for injured Eagles and other large raptors, eventually releasing them back into the wild when possible.  The Center also remains home to some birds with permanent  disabilities.         

            

           

 These Bald Eagles are learning to fly again and will be released in July and August when salmon is most plentiful, giving them the best chance of survival

This is one of the birds that is not able to fly well enough to be released so has become a permanent resident

Moving on from raptors to bears, the Fortress of the Bear was another Sitka experience we enjoyed. This bear sanctuary is home to bears that have become nuisances to the community.  

These black bears are anxious for some food (lettuce, apples and salmon belly are their current favorites).  Blacks eat about 15 pounds of food each day.  Grizzlies eat closer to 25 pounds.  Donations from grocery stores, restaurants and the fishing industry make it possible for the bears to thrive. 

 This grizzly is enjoying some iceberg lettuce.  

Grizzlies spend a lot of their time in the water.  

Sitka has beautiful parks.  We especially enjoyed the Totem Trail through the National Historical Park which commemorates the Tlinktet and Russian experience of the area.  

 

 

Doug and Margi on the Totem Trail

Doug and Torben went fishing one day.  It was quite successful.  

 

We kept one salmon and 2 black bass for eating on the boat and took the chum salmon to the Raptor Center. The rest was professionally processed, divided into two batches, frozen and is being shipped home.  

Meanwhile, back at the boat...  

 The great weather has allowed us to enjoy dinner on the aft deck.  

We don't have to look far for great views. 

Above:  from our foredeck 

 

Below: sunset from our aft deck