A Comfort Zone in Petersburg

Of all the ports we visited three years ago, Roland and I have to admit that Petersburg was one of our favorites. And we always seem to stay there a bit longer than planned .... but leave in better shape!

Beautiful reflections at dock in Petersburg south harbor. 

It’s a hard working fishing community. And in the harbor our boat is diminished by some of the fishing boats we dock next to.

Some call Petersburg the “Halibut Capital of Alaska,” and to fish halibut, you need a hardy boat.

But beyond the harbor lies a strikingly smart and lovely community that was founded by Norwegians. The gardens, architecture and even names of the residents reflect a heritage that was founded in the sea.

Walking up into to town, the first thing you pass is the Norwegian town hall, which serves as the center of all activities and ceremonies in town. There is a fishermans memorial next to the hall, marked by a bronze plaque with the names of every man, woman, and yes child, who was lost at sea from Petersburg. And sadly, there are many names on the plaque.

Even sadder, the day we were there, the Norwegian boat that usually fills the memorial park was pulled out, and chairs took its place ... along with a table and aisle holding a photo of a very young man... and memorial folders commemorating this valiant fisherman who was lost in duty at sea. A vivid reminder of the dangers so many of these fishermen we casually see next to us each day face when they leave the harbor and go to work ... it is a hard and dangerous life.

View leaving Petersburg on our way to Le Conte Glacier

For us, Petersburg has always served as a welcome port. And seemingly a place where some sort of repair always needs to take place. In 2010 it was an alternator bracket. This time, it was a propane sensor valve that we needed shipped in from Washington State. So we spent one night in Petersburg, ordered the part, and then left the next day to explore Le Conte Glacier and return when the part arrived.