174SITKA
This is a great pIace to V1Slt. Sitka has a natural beauty of location, a
historic background, friendly people, and the best gift and specialty shops in
the South East. It is no accident that the cruise ships have discovered Sitka.Sitka can be approached from the north as described, or from offshore via
Sitka Sound, between Biorka Island and Cape Edgecumbe. The cape is easily
recognized, being a cliff of black lava 100 feet high, ~ith the prominent
landmark of Mount Edgecumbe behind it. This 3271-foot volcanic mountain can be
seen both from seaward and from Sitka. Its isolated position, crater-formed
flat top, conical shape, and snow-streaked gullies make it a good landmark.There are faur small boat harbors in Sitka, but transient berths are
available mainly in the two harbors north of the Q'Connell bridge (crosses from
Sitka to Japonski Island). These are Thomsen Harbor (the first one passed on
entry) and the City ASB Harbor (apposite the government docks). The other two
small craft harbors are at Sealing Cove dnd Crescent Harbor, both on the south
side of Sitka. C} ... ~e at the bridge is 52 feet.The harbormaster controls alI of the harbors, and has offices at both the
Thomsen and ANB Harbors. He can be called on VHF Channel 16. Though it is
primariIy used by commerciaI vessels the City A~B floats are recommended since
they are closest to the downtown area. A small fee is charged. Check with the
harbormaster to see ii any vessels are out fishing so that use can be made of
their berth5. Thomsen Boat Harbor i5 only a short walk further north, and many
transient boats find moorage here. One can moor to the floating breakwater
free of charge (use a dinghy to come ashore). A cafe, coin-operated laundromat
and shower are at the head of the dock, while a supermarket is a few blocks
further ono Some transient berths are available at Sealing Cove Harbor, but
this is not the case at Crescent Harbor. Fuel is available at the Chevron
station near the bridge and at the Texaco dock near Thomsen Harbor.This city offers many interesting things to see and do --alI within easy
walking distance. Tlingit artifacts and other Alaskan Indian, Eskimo, and
Aleut items can be seen at the Sheldon Jackson ~useum as ~ell as at the Visitor
Center at the Sitka ~ational Historic Park. At the latter there is a great
collection of totem poles arranged along a lovely ~alk ~hich leads :0 the site
of the battle between the Tlingit and Russians. The Russian 0ccupation period
is featured in St. ~ichael's Cathedral, the Russian Bishop's House, the Russian
cemetery, Castle Hill, and the lsabel Miller Museum in the Centennial Building.
Today's arts and crafts are well represented in the shops, featuring both
native and Russian influences as well as modern artists: thus making this a
fascinating pIace to explore. In June there is a summer chamber music festival
and the AlI-Alaska Logging Championships, the conjunction well describing Sitka-rloo,,~ p ...... u .tJ,f''' d.~r .. ..f
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