HAINES, AK

WHALES

An excursion on a whale watching boat proved successful.  We saw 8 humpbacks in all, 2 of them calves.  

July 3 -5, 2016

Haines, AK is our last stop on the ferry system up the Inside Passage.  The rides on the ferries has been a great experience, the only way to see some of these towns.  The scenery has been incredible, we always found someone to talk to and share experiences with, but best of all, it slowed us down a bit, to relax and enjoy.  The ferry cruised along at a leisurely pace, and there was nothing we could do about it, so relax and enjoy.  I think we may miss it. 

July 4, 2016

Small town celebrations are great fun.  We started with a delicious pancake breakfast at the American Legion, then had front row seats for the 30 minute long parade.  There were no crowds stacked 4 to 8 deep on the sidewalk, I think most of the residents were in the parade(!).   After that, everyone gathered at the nearby park for craft sales, watermelon and pies, and games.  Races from the tiniest kids to energetic adults, the little ones were so funny, jumping the gun, running into each other, running the wrong way.  All in good natured fun. 

That was a good way to work up an appetite for the Salmon Bake.  Oh so delicious fresh sockeye salmon, potato salad, coleslaw, beans, and desserts.  All were homemade, of course. 

I guess the village of Haines decided that fireworks were getting too expensive, especially since it would be almost midnight before it was dark enough to make them effective.  There were plenty of personal fireworks, though, which went on well into the night. 

July 5, 2016

Just a day to drive around and enjoy the scenery.