I’ve been experiencing fluctuations in my well-being, with moments of feeling good followed by periods of not feeling great. Although I’m not fully recovered, I’m making progress. Currently, I’m taking it easy and relaxing in the room. Tommy had left to visit the totem pole park, but I didn’t join him. I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing the pictures he takes when he returns. Kel and I plan to head to Creek Street in a few hours and meet up with Tommy there.
I woke up around 7:30 this morning and prepared for the day after taking my shower and medication. Shortly after, Tommy also woke up and joined me for breakfast in the main dining room. As the smaller tables were occupied, we shared a table with a woman from Texas and a couple from Australia. We enjoyed pleasant conversation as we ate; I opted for pancakes accompanied by hash browns and bacon.
After enjoying breakfast, Tommy and I disembarked from the ship to visit Walmart for cough drops and cold medicine. We caught the bus to Walmart and then took the shuttle back to the ship. Once back on board, we reunited with Kel and headed to Alfredo’s Pizza for lunch. I couldn’t finish my meal, so I saved three slices of pizza for later. While Tommy explored the totem pole park, Kel and I briefly napped. The Totem Heritage Center, located in Ketchikan, Alaska, is widely recognized for its exceptional collection of totem poles and its dedication to cultural preservation. The park was founded in 1976 to safeguard and showcase 19th-century totem poles, many of which were recovered from deserted Tlingit and Haida village sites. These villages had been abandoned as indigenous communities relocated to larger towns during the 20th century. We’re now preparing to head to Creek Street to meet up with Tommy.
I’m back on the ship. Kel and I reunited with Tommy at Creek Street. While there, we visited Dolly’s House, a historical museum in Ketchikan, Alaska, on Creek Street, once a red-light district. Constructed in 1919, Dolly’s House served as the residence and workplace of Dolly Arthur, a renowned madam in Ketchikan. Operating as a brothel during a period when prostitution was tolerated in the area, the museum now stands as a preserved time capsule, providing insight into Dolly Arthur’s life and the history of Ketchikan’s red-light district. Visitors can view the house’s original furnishings, Dolly’s personal belongings, and memorabilia from that era.
After the tour, Kel returned to the ship while Tommy and I searched for a smoked salmon shop, only to find it closed. We stopped at a gift shop on our way back to the ship. Once we were back on the ship, we joined Kel at the International Cafe for a drink. I opted for a non-alcoholic fruit punch because I was taking cold medication.
Tommy is watching football and editing pictures while I’m writing, and Kel is enjoying a drink on the lower deck. I just ordered a Diet Coke for Tommy and me in the room. Kel, Tommy, and I have a 7:30 dinner reservation on the ship at Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria.
Dinner was good. It was a six-course meal. I am so full right now. I couldn’t finish my dessert, which was the chef’s special, a small group of the four main desserts they offer. It was alright, but I wasn’t crazy about it. Funny story: Both of my girls had pasta for dinner, too, besides me. All three of us were in different places, having relatively the same thing.
At the end of the meal, Tommy was so exhausted that we all decided to return to our room. Tommy is already fast asleep. Kel is getting ready for bed, and I’m writing and watching videos. I’m not sleepy yet, though I took a brief nap today.
We’ll be at sea tomorrow for our last day and night on the ship. We have some small toy duckies that we plan to hide around the ship. Kel found a charming little stuffed whale today in the Explorer’s lounge. It’s adorable.
