Continuing with pictures of my fantastic cruise to Alaska, this post features our stop at Icy Strait Point. From the dock, I explored the offerings at Icy Strait Point, but then walked to the village of Hoonah, about 1 1/2 mile up a seaside road. A shuttle ran people back and forth, but to me, the walk was half the fun. This was truly one of my favorite stops, both for the incredible beauty but also for the less touristy feel. In fact, Hoonah in particular didn’t have a bit of touristy that I could see. It felt very remote and was an authentic fishing village. As you’ll notice, there are a lot of pictures in this post. I hope you enjoy!
I took the below group of pictures as I walked to Hoonah. Seeing the kayaks made me long for gliding across the water. I didn’t realize there would be kayak rentals but I would have needed special clothes for sure. I always managed to get wet whenever I kayaked in the past.
I arrived in Hoonah. My first goal was finding the post office so I could mail the post cards we’d all written, including the one I wrote to myself as a souvenir. I wanted them to have the Hoonah postal mark. I went in a local fishing and tackle shop and asked the clerk. She said “oh, it’s just up the way”. Not really knowing how far I’d end up walking, I started out…. after quite a long distance, I asked a couple men working on a car and they pointed just a half block along. There it was at last! On the way back, I stopped at The Fisherman’s Daughter for a cup of the best clam chowder I think I’ve ever eaten.
My return walk to Icy Strait Point and the cruise ship followed the same path but with a different perspective. I gathered with patrons of The Office bar to watch as a black bear walked along the island opposite, noticed a pictograph on a rock wall, and decided on a tram ride to the other side of the inlet. Once back on board, I ordered a Mojito and watched as a bald eagle landed in tree across the way. Indeed, it was a fabulous day at Icy Strait Point and Hoonah, Alaska! ~SueBee
SueBee and Kat 
The flying whale is a bit unsettling. The kayaks looked very tempting, I agree.
I heard an employee telling a visitor that it was as guaranteed a whale sighting as they were bound to get! Tour operators like to insist people will spot a whale… for plenty of $$, but no guarantees!
I have been on that sort of trip.