Today we got wet! It was like the UK. It rained and rained all day long.

However, we were prepared having anticipated the bad weather and had already decided today would entail a slow start followed by town time working our way around the various historical landmarks, of which there are surprisingly many. It was a learning day, historical and cultural.

First stop to dry out from the deluge was our new fave local coffee shop, Highliner. Second stop, the Sitka Visitor Information Centre to avoid the hordes of drenched cruise passengers who were wondering where they could keep dry on their only day in Sitka.

Common question today was “which ship are you on?” Err! none! but that did lead to many interesting conversations with different locals, and a great opportunity to get an insight into local real lives and perceptions. Dialogue with locals is really the enrichment factor to independent travel. People can be fascinating.

Onto the Russian Bishops House which is a Federal National Park which faces one of the four harbours this small town has. This museum has recently reopened after an extensive remodel and enhancement and the result is superb. There is a load of fascinating detail on the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church on the island once the Russians had solidified their presence in the area around 1799. The Church continued to have influence after Alaska was transferred to the USA in the 1870’s. Financial support continued all the way up until the 1917 Russian Revolution. Wikipedia entry is here.

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Final learning for the day was the Sheldon Jackson Museum. Another building with a varied history but which contains an incredible collection of native american artifacts, clothing and hunting and fishing implements. Fascinating but having been sidetracked by the Bayview Pub and a warming bowl of homemade fish chowder, along with a glass of local beer, we ran out of time!! it is noticeable the bars have a much higher proportion of men to women in them. Lots of hardy fishermen types.

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