Around Town

Friday, July 9, 2010
Sitka's a pretty small town and getting around on foot is easy. It rained overnight and in the morning the clouds and drizzle are still there when I start out to explore. At the far end of town is a national park that marks the site of the Russians' battle with the native Tlingit in 1804 when  Russia established dominance in the region. Today the park is a gathering place for numerous totems representing a variety of carving styles. I walk along a path through tall trees and I am nearly alone. Several runners pass me, but it is early and a cruse boat in the harbor has not yet unloaded today's daytrippers. The totems are remarkable examples of craftsmanship, and each of the many figures has their own meaning. I don't know the proper meanings, so I make up a few of my own.

At the other end of the park, there is a trail back out to the main road, and I follow it to the Alaska Raptor Center, a private organization which rehabilitates injured birds of prey. Actually, they say they take in all birds, including hummingbirds. A big indoor flyway houses some of the birds, mostly bald eagles while they relearn to fly. Lucky is here - he flew through a FedEx plane prop, and Phoenix had a run-in with a trash incinerator. Both are regrowing a lot of lost feathers, but prognosis is good.

Further on a museum houses an extensive collection of Native arts, crafts, and everyday items. I am intrigued by the graphic styles and hope I can find a small book of examples to take home. Books in the gift shop are pretty big. I'll keep looking.

Back in town I have to stop at Old Harbor Books, and the attached Back Door Cafe. One of my favorite mystery authors, John Straley, mentions it in his books and apparently is a regular there, but I don't see him today. Pizza and Latte for me. 

 

 

 Tonight is an unexpected event - The Fourth of July. Sitka had to reschedule their celebration until today due to miserable weather on the fourth. Sunset is about 10pm, so that puts the fireworks at about 11:30. But before the fireworks, the townspeople gather along the waterfront and on the bridge for a candlelight vigil for three Coast Guard men from the local station who were recently killed in a helicopter crash. Touching tribute.