The Spirit of Totem Bight -- Out of Ketchikan

There is an ancient tradition of totem pole carving in Ketchikan and Southeast Alaska. The tradition still lives and thrives. There are a number of poles in Ketchikan. And Totem Bight, a state park north of town, has about 30 beautiful poles, and a reproduction of a traditional clan house which we can enter. You can soak up the atmosphere of the clan house, while I tell you ancient stories. I will show the poles to you, and explain how they are carved. I am an amateur carver myself, and can show you my self-forged tools. I know, and am familiar with the work of many of the best modern carvers. Some, I can recognize from the distinctive adzing, the cut-marks of their tools. I have been a story-teller all my life, and I will delight in telling you some of the stories that lie behind the figures in the wood. Totem Bight also contains pretty walks through the Tongass Forest, nice examples of some of the local flora, and magnificent examples of SE Alaska trees.