Port Alexander





Natural Breakwater - Port Alexander



After our “Gut Bay” experience, we made our way south to Port Alexander located on the south tip of Baranof Island.  Waves created by “williwaw’s” (wind blowing down the inlets out into Chatham Strait) added to the excitement with 35 knot winds at various spots along our route.  Williwaw's are not forecasted and are generally unpredictable.  A Pod of whales passed us by seemingly unconcerned.  We arrived at the fishing village of Port Alexander, protected by a natural breakwater of rock spires.  People mingling around the docks greeted us with friendly hello's and big smiles.  Like many small fishing villages in Alaska, most folks are seasonal residents with only a few living in the community year-round.  This intriguing little village has many of the basic necessities:  a school, a library, post office, fire house, a burger shack, small gift shop, and a newly completed museum.   Unfortunately, the little grocery store burned down severeal years ago.  A boardwalk serves as the town sidewalk and road, connecting the various buildings.  The social scene takes place near the docks, where we visited with Dave, a local fisherman.  Of course, Leonard had to purchase another salmon (a whole fish for only $5).  Dave happened to be a retired music teacher and went from school to school on a floatplane flown by the school district pilot.  He told us that weather would sometimes prevent him from leaving port and he would end up staying at a school longer than anticipated.  What a stark difference between Seattle’s transportation issues and that of a remote outpost in Alaska!



Port Alexander



The Burger Shack



An Early Homestead





The Library