Bear Kill
Dear Editor: When I first read the headline, I wondered what-in-the-hell a “Bear Attacking Dog” would even look like; let alone what a dog that attacks bears had done to merit getting shot (“Homeowner Shoots Bear Attacking Dog,” 14 June).
Upon reading the story, I was very glad to learn that the dog is okay, but just can’t help but wondering what would have happened had the homeowner first fired a warning-shot into the air, before then shooting to kill.
This is not a judgment; it’s just a simple ponder.
JG Moebus, Veterans Against War (Sitka Platoon)
Impressions of Sitka
Dear Editor: Sitka was our first port of call in Alaska traveling aboard the Emerald Princess in May this year. We were excited to visit Alaska, one of the world’s last frontiers.
As a visitor from Australia I was fascinated by the Russian history and the turbulent interaction between the Tlingit people and the Russian invaders.
I believe few Americans let alone international tourists would realise and appreciate the rich history of Russian America.
From the Tlingit village of Sitka to Russian occupation town of New Archangel and the 1804 battle of Alaska.
Our first impression of Sitka was the snow-covered dormant volcano Mt. Edgecumbe and sailing into an attractive fishing village.
We were booked on a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center and walked through the Sitka National Historical Park. Both very enjoyable as the spring sunshine filtered through.
On completion we continued walking through town visiting St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church and the Bishop’s House.
A national park ranger gave us an enthusiastic and informative tour of the Russian Bishop’s House upstairs and astounded us with details of the life and times of Bishop Innocent (Ivan Popov/Veniaminov).
We continued our walk to Castle Hill and discovered the prominence this place serves in the annals of America Alaskan history.
From the handover ceremony of 1867 to the first raising of the 49-star U.S. flag in 1959 on gaining statehood, Sitka has a firm and unique place in U.S. history.
By this time it was time to return to our ship and depart Sitka bound for our next Alaskan port.
A great day was had in Sitka, the former capital of Alaska!
Gary Roberts, Australia
Sitka Visit
Dear Editor: Greetings from hot and humid Georgia. My family and I recently toured Sitka during our Holland America cruise celebrating my sister’s undergraduate and my pharmacy school graduations. Coming to Sitka from muggy, almost-summer Georgia was a breath of fresh air (pun intended).
The mountains and bay vistas on our bus ride in from the dock and on our shuttle to the Fortress of the Bear were truly breathtaking. We were also thrilled to be able to cross black, brown and grizzly bears off our list of animals we hoped to see on our trip.
Thank you for opening up your town and providing some much-needed rest and relaxation.
Dr. Abigail Shell, PharmD, Georgia
