Since we only had a few days in Sitka, we chose to park in the city campground beside the Marina and at the base of the O’Connell bridge. It was listed as a busy spot, but pretty quiet when we arrived at 3:00am. Later that morning, as we’re trying to catch some extra zzzzs, we discovered that the Japonski Island not only has the Sealing Cove Marina, but also the airport and hospital, with the coast guard and a float plane terminal in the Sitka Channel – all within walking distance of downtown Sitka! Busy indeed!

The plus for me is that I found 3 painting spots within the first 30 minutes there! Sitka is a delightfully compact city that emphasises  “community” over tourist destination. Once again, georgous vistas overlooking the sound added to the friendly people we met in Sitka.

A highlight was standing on a dock, watching a sea lion fish about 15 yards from us. He’d pop up with a fish, throw it around a bit, swallow and dive for another – all as the sun set. We also visited the Raptor Center, which cares for, and if possible, releases, injured eagles, hawks, etc. One of my favorite spots to visit, so far…