Sitka, Alaska Was My Favorite Port

 Everything about our Alaska cruise was great, but Sitka might have been our favorite stop.  We enjoy taking private tours, either by a local taxi or Uber driver, or booking a local tour when we arrive in port.  We did just that in Sitka.  

After disembarking, we took a short walk to the local free shuttle, that dropped us off in the center of town, after giving us a short history of the town.  From there, we walked across the street, saw a sign for local tours, and called.  In 10 minutes our driver arrived, and began our day of fun.  He was a wealth of knowledge, so he gave us a good history of the area.  

We got a nice tour of town, visiting the fishing area, a big totem park, and many old museums and schools.  He then took us to the bear sanctuary, just outside of town.  We loved it.  They had three black bears, and about 4 brown bears.  These are all bears that were either injured in the wild or were found as cubs, without a mother, and taken to the sanctuary.  They have viewing platforms, so you get a great view of the animals.  

Next, our driver took us to a restaurant where he thought we could get crab chowder.  However, they did not have it, so we left, and walked back to the shuttle.  I remembered there was a nice waterfront restaurant right near our ship.  Evidently crab chowder isn't a thing, so we ended up with delicious clam chowder, and a basket of corn fritters with honey butter, that I will not soon forget.  Here's the recipe for the corn fritters, which, if I wasn't really watching my weight right now I would make today.  You will love them.

                                                        Corn Fritters with Honey Butter

1 1/3 all purpose unbleached flour

1/2 c. yellow cornmeal

1T. baking powder

1tsp. salt

2tsp. sugar

2 T. oil

1-8 oz. can cream style corn

1-12 oz. corn

oil for frying

Combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then add together.  Heat 3 inches of oil to 365 degrees, then drop fritters in oil.  Fritters should be round and about the size of golf balls.  Cook 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, drain and serve hot with softened butter mixed with honey.  These are to die for.  What a great way to end our day in Sitka.