 By Shari Fisher April 04, 2007
Southeast Alaska is about as far away from boring as it is from Florida. So what if we don't always have the best weather, any self-respecting Alaskan should own a good set of rain gear. I am not talking about ponchos either. Shoes are another story, flip-flops might work around the house, but hiking boots and rubber boots are neccesities. There are enough trails around this town to keep you busy for days. Some people are just too lazy to get out of the house or cars to experience what Ketchikan really has to offer. Sitting around may be monotonous but I have never heard anyone while hiking through the rainforest say they were disenchanted. Grab a fishing pole and head up to Ward Lake to shed a few hours. Go out to Settler's Cove and stroll down to Lunch Falls for a picnic. Get a camera and go up to Upper Silvis. Maybe you will see a mountain goat. Build a fire on the beach and watch the sun go down. Those are just a few things I do all the time and I don't get bored. Driving around town, back and forth, is so indolent I could sleep while my peers cruise the Ketchikan strip. Statistics show that every year for the last decade, there is at least one fatal motor vehicle accident on this island. Not a soul has died from a bear attack while out enjoying the prestigious outdoors. There are at least 1 or 2 DWI arrests every week, yet I can't remember the last time someone died in the woods. It is not that hard to get a tent, go somewhere nice and have a few drinks under the stars. It is much more entertaining to sit around a campfire with good company, than to get all lit up and get behind the wheel. Don't feel like camping? Stay home and be bored. Don't endanger anyone else on the road. The problem is that the youth in this town are not embracing the amazing activities that are available to them. I met an 18 year old the other day that was born and raised here. He had never been fishing in his entire life. How could you grow up in a town that was grew on the fishing industry, yet never experience it. To me that is just outrageous. I couldn't believe it. I asked him what he did for fun and he replyed "nothing really." I understand that some people aren't as outdoorsy as I am, but for goodness sake, this is one of most beautiful places I know of. I have been up and down the East and West coasts of this great country, all over Japan, Canada, and Hawaii. I have visited many towns across Alaska. Southeast still takes my breath away. I just wish everyone would enjoy this phenominal land as much as I do. Shari Fisher About: "Born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska. I love traveling, hiking, photography, and the rain. I am 20 years old and I love to write, when I have the time." and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sitnews.
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