Bjorklund Log: Alaska Trip Day 61

Day 61

7/16/11

Sitka, AK

Miles Travelled: 0

What a wonderful day! Mom and Ralph joined us for breakfast on the boat, then we all walked over to the Sheldon Jackson Museum. SUPER cool museum. The artifacts on display are representative of all the Native groups in Alaska and most of the things we saw were amazing. The items that stuck out in my mind were the baskets, the argillite carvings, weavings, the clothing made of all sorts of different skins including loon mittens and a fish skin parka and totem poles including a mortuary pole. The boys did great in their carriers and enjoyed ‘talking’ and hearing their voices echo in the octagonal room…good thing we were the only visitors for the majority of our stay!

We left Mom and Ralph to finish viewing what they wanted to see at the museum because it was time to get back to the boat and get the boys lunch and down for their nap. Once they boys were down I reconnected with Mom and Ralph while Tor stayed at the boat to go watch a Tlingit dance performance. We were so glad we went. The dancers were mostly youth with a few adults and older teens and even a two year old. The dancing and singing were energetic and powerful and the stories they told and explanations for the dances were very informative. It was a very worthwhile experience. The two year old was a real highlight for me, I’m a sappy emotional mom now, but every time I would catch sight of him held by another dancer, or watching the fringe on his fur headband as he moved, or standing still staring at the crowd I would get a little misty eyed. It was so sweet to see him as an integral part of this important cultural event.

After the dance we checked out the farmers market being held right next to our marina and were able to get some barbequed black cod tips and rice. Yum!

When we got back to the boat the boys were still sleeping. They had a good nap and Tor had a nice quiet time reading in the cockpit. After they woke up we walked over to the totem park with Mom and Ralph each wearing a boy, sweet! I felt so unencumbered! We didn’t get too far before it was apparent that they boys had had enough time in the carriers and it was time to play in the grass. We had fun playing with them and fortunately we still have time in Sitka so we plan to head back to the totem park tomorrow so we can really see it.

We had bratwurst and sauerkraut for dinner on the boat and ate in the cockpit thanks to the glorious weather we are having. We feel so fortunate and are REALLY enjoying our time in Sitka!