Dear Editor: My husband and I visited Sitka on May 14 during the scheduled stop of our cruise ship, Holland America’s Noordam. We chose not to do an excursion; instead, we explored Sitka on our own and had a delightful time.
Of all the stops on our cruise, Sitka was definitely our favorite. Even though there was initially a light drizzle, it did not dampen our enthusiasm for the town. We enjoyed visiting St. Michael’s Cathedral, shopping in some of the local shops where we bought some lovely souvenirs, and dining in Coldwater Bar and Grill, where I enjoyed a delicious salmon BLT. We encountered friendly local residents, especially the owner of the Sitka Lighthouse Store, who offered to mail my postcards for me after we somehow missed the post office.
Most of all, we enjoyed walking around the town. As a devoted lover of lighthouses, I was thrilled to spot the lighthouse across the bay in such a picturesque setting. Of course, we got lots of pictures! We also enjoyed seeing other sites along Lincoln Street, including the Bishop’s House (which was, unfortunately, not open) and the totem pole in front of the high school. We ended our self-guided tour at Harrigan Centennial Hall where we saw several interesting displays – and picked up your helpful ‘‘All About Sitka’’ paper that we wish we had gotten when we first arrived in Sitka since it has so much helpful information.
Unfortunately, our time in Sitka was too limited. We have talked numerous times since our visit how we would love to make another visit to Sitka since there is so much to see and experience. We also tell all our friends who are considering an Alaska Trip that Sitka is definitely the town to visit!
Please accept my apologies for the delay in writing. I have put the ‘‘All About Sitka’’ paper in my scrapbook and pull it out often to read and re-read about Sitka and its people. This past time when I did so, I saw your ‘‘Invitation to the Editors’’ to send in impressions of Sitka. (I hope it’s not too late to receive a return card designed by a Sitka artist.’’ Blessings,
Holly Stanford, Missouri
