Summary

The article "Living Alaska — Ketchikan, Alaska, a Cruise Ship, a Castle, and Rain" provides a personal narrative of the author's daily life in Ketchikan, Alaska, juxtaposed with the arrival of massive cruise ships and the misconceptions tourists have about Alaskan living.

Abstract

The narrative begins with the author's surprise at waking up to the sight of a ten-story cruise ship docked across the street, a common occurrence that brings a city-sized influx of tourists to the small town. The author describes the transformation of the town with the arrival of each ship, as stores open and vendors actively engage the visitors. Living above a local coffee shop, the author is often seen as a novelty by tourists who envision a more rugged and stereotypical Alaskan lifestyle. The reality, however, is that Ketchikan, located in the southern tail of Alaska, experiences milder weather and less snow than expected. The author enjoys the natural beauty of the area, including kayaking in local waters and picking berries. The town is depicted as a safe haven for children to play freely, and its residents are characterized as hardy souls who carry on with their lives regardless of the weather. The article concludes with a whimsical note about the author's "castle" and the stuffed wolf that guards it, symbolizing the unique charm and resilience of life in Ketchikan.

Opinions

The author seems to find both amusement and a sense of pride in being a local among the tourists, correcting their misconceptions about Alaskan life.
There is a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural beauty of Ketchikan, as the author highlights the contrast between the crystal clear blue waters, greenery, and snow-capped mountains.
The author expresses a strong sense of community and safety within the town, emphasizing the low crime rates and the protective nature of the residents towards their children.
The article conveys a sense of resilience and adaptability among the townspeople, particularly in their ambivalence towards the frequent rain and their ability to enjoy life despite the weather.
The author uses humor and a touch of sarcasm when describing the tourists' reactions to their daily life, such as the surprise at seeing the author with a kayak or the awe inspired by the presence of a stuffed wolf.
There is an underlying theme of the author's contentment with their life in Ketchikan, referring to their home as a "castle" and taking pleasure in the simple joys of living in Alaska.

Living Alaska — Ketchikan, Alaska, a Cruise Ship, a Castle, and Rain

A Ten Story Story.

Photograph by Author — Silent as a Mouse they Arrive in Town

Saturday Morning Coffee

I woke up late Saturday morning and went downstairs to get a cup of coffee. I looked up and saw a ten-story building had moved in across the street. I looked north and caught sight of another block long ten story building traveling down the waterway.

A City Sized Ship

Silent as a mouse nibbling cheese the monstrosity crawled to a stop across the street. Lines were tossed to shore and the ship was tied to the dock. A quick five minutes later and the building was secured, a city sized ship came to town.

Indulgence of People

Every day we indulge the fancy of throngs of people eager to get a glimpse of Alaska. They all want to see, hear, and feel what it is like to live in the last frontier. I live across the street from the docks. I watch the daily procession of huge Cruise Ships unloading tourists for the day.

The Cat Wranglers

My little town comes alive with its arrival. Stores open, cat wranglers beckon the crowds to enter their stores, to buy their wares. I watch, participating vicariously through the smiles of others. I absorb the positive energy of travelers marveling at the wonders of Alaska. I listen to comments and answer questions.

Photograph by Author — The Ten Story Buildings Parallel Parking Across the Street

One Real Alaskan

I live above the local donut and coffee shop. There is often a line of people waiting outside to order food. This small crowd blocks my front door. I say excuse me and they quickly realize I live there. They stare at a real Alaskan. I must be Alaskan if I live here.

The Southern Tail

I wonder what they think about me, coming downstairs with my bicycle or scooter. They are imagining me with ten husky’s and a dog sled in the winter. Nope, no dogs or sleds, they would be surprised to know that it rarely snows at all in this part of Alaska. I live in the southern tail end of Alaska.

Traveling by Kayak

When I drag my kayak downstairs, they make way and offer help loading it into my truck. They ask where I am kayaking, thinking I am traveling to another Island or far off location. No, just the local lake and beach area where the water is shallow and placid. It’s warmer that way. It might not snow a lot, but the mountain snow feeds our lakes.

Surfboards and Jet Skis

A waterfront beach town, Ketchikan differs from other West Coast towns. We don’t rent surfboards, windsurfers, jet skis, boogey boards or wave skimmers. Our beaches are rocky and warm sunny days are far and few between. When it is warm and sunny in Ketchikan, the locals take advantage of it. We relish the beauty of our little town.

Photograph by Author — Berries Picked in Ketchikan, Alaska by Author and Consumed by Author

Berries Bursting in Abundance

There is nothing better than a beautiful warm sunny day in Southeast Alaska. The raw beauty, the rugged snowcapped mountains covered with bright green and emerald trees. The contrast between crystal clear blue waters, greenery and white snowcapped mountains dazzles the senses. Flowers and berries bursting in abundance add background colors to photocentric senses.

No Boogey Man Allowed

Our beautiful little island sparkles on beautiful days. The children come out to play in droves, let loose upon the masses by the security of the townspeople. With low crime rates and island mentality kids play without fear of the boogey man. If a boogey man reared his head, it would be run out of town by women with broomsticks or worse. It is a pleasure to see youthful resilience at play.

Hardy Souls Unite Here

When it rains, we dress differently and go right about our business. Use to rugged weather the town has developed an ambivalence to rain. Rain happens, it’s a regular affair, get used to it. I have ten types of rain gear, from the mild mundane to the wicked ugly. In Alaska we learn to live in all weather conditions. We are a hardy lot of souls.

Photograph by Author — The Big Bad Wold Guarding the Castle

The Big Bad Wolf

When the crowd of tourists parts the line for my transgression I walk past a stuffed wolf. I tell them he is guarding the castle gates, and only true Alaskans dare pass without paying homage to the wild wolf. He might look like the Big Bad Wolf of folklore fame, but he always welcomes me home with a smile. I tell friends when you see the wolf come up the stairs.

The Castle Tower

It is a small one-bedroom castle, but I am the King of my castle. It is nice to be the king of something, better to be the king of paupers than no king at all. I look at the bright side of things from my castle tower, when it rains, I get to torment my readers with longwinded blogs about the beauty of Alaska. From Ketchikan, Alaska with love and rain.