Sport requires constant attention and being in the moment – its a great way to be present.

Thanks, I will give it a look.

I’m not sure there is an objective measure, as what we perceive as optimal is completely a subjective experience. I think doing the experiments,changing different variables in our lives and paying attention to how they affect our health, happiness and well being is the path.

Deal!

3 days seems to be just about perfect for me 🙂

Hey Brittany thanks for all the info! It has occurred to me that I should have reached out to the collective knowledge of my readers BEFORE going on my trip. The benefits of cruising is seeing many places in a short amount of time, but there is just not enough time in any one place to really explore. I know a couple of people contemplating/planning Alaska cruises and I will refer them to your comment.

I saw a lot of RVs in Alaska and wondered if people drove there from the lower 48 or just rented them. Seems like an epic trip that would be incredibly scenic. Perhaps when I retire 😉

Next time you plan on visiting, I highly suggest taking the Alaska Marine Highway and having some great slow travel. It leaves Bellingham, WA, and takes 36 hours to get to Ketchikan. Or you can drive to Prince Rupert, BC, and then it’s only six hours. After you leave Ketchikan there are sooo many other places you can get to on the ferry, it just takes time. But the ferry is gorgeous and I often see orcas, humpbacks, tons of eagles, and Dall porpoises like to play in the water splashing from the bow of the boat.

Recommended for your next Ketchikan visit:
*Boat tour on Lighthouse Excursion or Allen Marine
*Misty Fjords National Monument or the bear tour run by Taquan Air
*Fishing out at Knudson Cove Marina
*Doing a kayak tour from SE Sea Kayaks
*Eating alllllll the food from New York Cafe – I often eat here daily when I’m on a short visit or several times a visit if I’m on a longer visit. The owner is Lebanese and the food is multicultural and just AWESOME. The menu changes often but there are always good standards, too. For breakfast, I highly recommend the chorizo plate, lunch would be the kebab plate, and if you are lucky enough to be there for dinner and the salmon poke is on the menu, GET IT.
*Drinks or pizza at Fat Stan’s
*Sit on the deck of the Arctic Bar and watch the local wildlife ;o)
*If you are there the first weekend in August, like I will be soon, the Blueberry Festival is a must-attend! There is a large handmade market, Crepes Bluzette (fresh made crepes with blueberries and fresh whipped cream, omg), a slug race for the kids (exactly what it sounds like), battle of the bands, and more! It is so great.
*Checking out the art at Main St Gallery
*If First City Players is putting on a play, they are all good
*Walking on the multi-use path out south to watch eagles and sea lions (and sometimes whales)
*Walking around Ward Lake and then get coffee at The Green Coffee Bean Company

And so much more! Ketchikan has no moose because we’re on an island. There are places you can see bears (usually Herring Cove this time of year) but you would be safe to adventure alone pretty much anywhere. I am often on one of the many beaches alone and have always felt safe. Any of the forest hikes I would just make noise and use your noggin. We only have black bears on our island.

Anyway, those are some ideas for your next trip! I am always thrilled to talk about Alaska or when people are visiting. My main business currently makes me the most money living in the Portland Metro area but I will be moving back to Ketchikan in five years or so, after I’ve stockpiled a bunch more money, but the benefit of living in Portland is being so close to home. I can leave PDX at 5am and be back in KTN by 8am, plus flights are pretty cheap. Hope you enjoyed your trip!

And to keep my mind in the present, I’ve found that there’s nothing better than exercise and my so-called “extreme” sports such as climbing and mountain biking. I forget all my troubles, the past, the future, and just focus. It’s bliss.