American Constellation in Alaska: Sitka

By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life

On Day 6 of our American Cruise Lines' "Alaska Explorer" cruise, we are docked in Sitka, which was under Russian rule until 1867 and served as the former capital of Russian America. This town of almost 9,000 is a popular stop for cruise ships, and today there are three large cruise ships visiting here as well.

This is a chance for Pam to do some shopping, so we head downtown on an ACL shuttle bus to see what we can find. Besides the arts and crafts and souvenir shops, Sitka is known for its pure Alaska salt and salmon, so one of the first stops is a salt store.

Another popular stop is St. Michael's Cathedral, the first Orthodox cathedral in the New World, with its stunning icons that date back to the 17th century. Some guests from our ship opt to take an excursion to the Alaska Raptor Center, where bald eagles and other birds are cared for. Others will visit the Sitka national Historical Park -- "the site of a battle between invading Russian traders and indigenous Tlingit peoples." Besides a totem pole collection, there's an opportunity to walk a scenic trail through the Tongass rainforest.

In the afternoon we visit the Fortress of the Bears in the Tongass forest, "an educational sanctuary providing lifelong protection and enriching care to bears orphaned as cubs." We watch from a viewing platform while they feed ther bears.

That evening, ACL has arranged for a local family band to come onboard for the evening entertainment. Tomorrow we'll be cruising the Inside Passage and Frederick Sound, so cameras and binoculars will be at the ready.

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Sitka Slideshow
Photos: Gerry Barker

Video: Fortress of the Bears
Credit: Gerry Barker