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Misty Fjord
Misty Fjord is near the Alaskan town of Ketchikan. It is a
protected area, and was declared a national monument in 1978,
but legal wrangling prevented this from becoming official until
1980. The area has been compared to Yosemite in California, due
to the similarity of rock type, age, and topology. Most of
the approximately 3 million acre site is designated as a
wilderness area. small tour boats and airplanes take sightseers
in, and there is some camping and kayaking. larger ships can not
access the area, and generally stop at Ketchikan, permitting
visitors to charter local tour services. Whales, seals, and
other wildlife are abundant, and commonly seen here. |
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Skimming across the water of the inlet, we
are airborne and see Ketchikan from a whole new perspective. |
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I pass our cruise ship, as well as some
others which are at the terminal in ketchikan. |
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Heading past the edge of town, we are in
sight of the fjord. Unlike the lower forty eight, here in
Alaska, when you are out of town, you are in the wild. There are
no extensive suburbs here. |
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A view up the inlet towards the mountains in
which the fjords are cut. |
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Heading up towards Misty Fjords. The glacial
valley is pretty apparent here. |
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At the lower elevation, the area is heavily
forested. Wildlife is abundant, and the place is a paradise for
kayakers. |
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