June 8, 2015, Wrangell-  Baron Ferdinand von Wrangel has been honoured by two nations, Russia and the United States, with the town of Wrangell, which he served as both a Russian and an American governor, and Wrangel Island, in the Russian Arctic.

So, this small, but bustling town honours the entrepreneurial spirit of its namesake.  Fishing is a huge enterprise, both from the bounty of the sea, and of the Stikine River, a few miles north of here- relatively speaking.

My first stop this morning was to the resting place of Chief Shakes V, a Tlingit leader who worked tirelessly for his people.  The totems atop the fence are of orcas, which are honoured by the seafaring Tlingit.

Chief Shakes’ residence is preserved by the Tlingit Nation, and is available for viewing when tour ships come to town.

Wrangell, like other southeast Alaskan towns, has a Totem Pole Park.

In between visiting with some friends, at lunch and in the evening, I spent some time hiking up Mt. Dewey, a short urban parkland, atop which one may get a fine view of islands to the west of Wrangell.  John Muir hiked Mt. Dewey, during his visit to Alaska.

I had a companion on my walk, for a short time.

A nearby mountain and a view of Wrangell Harbor, were prime views from atop Mt. Dewey.

Tomorrow is sure to bring yet more sights and sounds, on this marvelous island.