Icy Strait Point

Yesterday we had a very enjoyable day at Icy Strait Point which is a privately owned tourist destination just outside the village of Hoonah on the island of Chichagof. It is owned by the Huna Totem Corporation which comprises of approximately 1350 Alaskan natives with Aboriginal ties to Hoonah and the Glacier Bay area. Many of them are from the Tlinget people. The community created a cultural and wilderness experience for cruise passengers. They only allow one cruise ship a day during the season from May through to September.

A decaying 1930's canning factory has now become become an informative museum, with several shops and restaurants. All the new structures were built with sustainable local wood by native Tlingit men. Everything sold is locally made. The large scale commercialisation we have encountered in some other ports we have visited is refreshingly missing here.

The Heritage Centre houses the Cultural Theatre where shows are performed by the native students wearing national dress. They share their history by performing dance, song and story telling.

It was such an interesting and very scenic spot and we wished we had had more time there as there was so much to see. The weather was beautiful for most of the day.

The above photo is one of the sink holes we were warned to watch out for on the board walk trails. Our guide put a stick in one to show that it was over six feet deep.

 On our early morning guided walk we encountered a mother bear and two cubs. Unfortunately, even though I saw the cubs I wasn't close enough to photograph them as they were further down stream.

 Her fishing trip was unsuccessful which surprised us as we had had seen numerous salmon further down stream. She was also aware of us too and after a short time began to retreat back upstream.

 I will never tire of this beautiful countryside. It is so rich and green and in some places the vegetation is very dense.

 On the left of the boat ramp is the part of the old cannery which has been restored

 An abandoned wharf which has its own beauty.

 Richard and his Aussie mate Bill relaxing by the open fire.

 A teriyaki halibut filet for lunch while we enjoyed a spectacular view.

 An outdoor part of the museum.

 This family were enjoying a 'summer day' on the beach.  The father gave his teenage daughter a dunking in the sea. By the sounds of the screams from both of them we gathered it was freezing in the water. Well it is Alaska!

 Great walking paths around the bay.