There's just something about Ketchikan that really appeals to me.

On my very first visit to Ketchikan, it felt familiar.  Even when I was reading about it, it was a place I just KNEW I would like... and I was right.

I would LOVE to live here... except there's no work for a database programmer in town, and I don't think I'd like to do much else.

Incorporated in 1900, Ketchikan was home to the Tlingit long before that.  They welcomed  the white settlers moving into the area, and still live in a community adjoining the town, called Saxman. 

The area is widely known for its fishing, and it earned its "Salmon Capital" Moniker quite early in its history.

This gauge tells a BIG story... it records the amount of rain every year, which goes from about 150-180 inches a year... which is pretty incredible! 

Creek Street is what Ketchikan is the most famous for.

Alaska was one of the last states to close down brothels, and the last community in Alaska to put an end to the practice was Ketchikan, with the last house closing in the 1970's.

Since that time, the adored  street has gone through a make over, and is now a tourist trap rife with curio shops and viewing points for the salmon that still swim up the river, ignoring the occupations of those employed in the buildings along the banks.

Not a lot has changed, if you look at the picture below, from the 1930's...

When the white folks came to Ketchikan, they originally set up their homes right in the village with the local natives, and everyone got along quite well.

But, increasingly the rules were changed, and the locals decided that they didn't like being underneath them, and kicked them out. 

The whites, who were Russian, came back with guns, and took the area by force.  The natives moved down the shoreline a bit, to what is now called "Saxony Village", which is still a separated community, although everyone gets along nowadays.

One of the places we visited was a Totem shop... where an old carving master taught younger apprentices, handing off the traditional art. 

 
Normally, the town is shrouded in clouds... Until the day I took this picture, I'd never seen the town under sunny skies.

Its a small, remote town, and it has that feel about it... which is likely why I like it so much.

 
The stairways have road names...  I think I'd take the long way.

 
This was the 'other end' of Creek Street, called "Married Mans Lane".

 
A Twin theater... coming up in the world!  =)

I have to say... I'm hoping to return there sooner rather than later!

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