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Christmas in Petersburg - 2005

Articles in this issue: Introduction 2006 Available Dates Christmas In Petersburg Alaska New May Photography Adventure Southeast Alaska Wakes Up In Springtime Are you looking for a unique adventure? It’s not too early to make 2007 reservations! Alder Planked Salmon Recipe A printable PDF version of this newsletter is available here: newswinter06.pdf (927K)

The last of the Humpback whales to make their departure to Hawaii are still in the near vicinity of Petersburg and Frederick Sound. It’s an amazing sight to witness these magnificent creatures, which we enjoy observing so much during the summer months in an Alaska winter setting. The warm tropical waters must be beckoning the last of these leviathans to the calving and mating grounds some 3000 miles distant. But, winter is here and so is the holiday season.

We enjoyed The Festival of Lights Ceremony the Friday after Thanksgiving with the lighting of the community tree, music, and benediction. This event kicks off the Christmas season in Petersburg which includes a schedule of special activities for residents and visiting family of this small, tight knit community, like the wonderful presentation of The Nutcracker put on by Steppin’ Out Dancers and featuring a troupe consisting of more than 40 Petersburg youth. A truly remarkable performance!

The annual pickled herring and smoked salmon competition judging on December 14th at the Sons of Norway is always a fun local event not exactly witnessed by every town. We just need to have more entries to compete with Helmer (Bill) Olsen’s fine pickled herring preparations that have dominated the contest longer than most care to remember.

Christmas Lights at the Sons of Norway Hall in Petersburg.

Events wind down on Christ’s Eve afternoon with the Norwegian tradition of Julebukking (proun: Yulabucking) where local merchants offer customers food and spirits in appreciation for the previous year's business. There’s no finer way for merriment than wandering from store to store visiting with merchants and friends while enjoying delectable treats and excellent seasonal beverages while resisting the urge to splurge for those last gifts for under the tree.

The mild weather for December so far has pretty much been typical with a week of freezing temperatures along with a week the mercury in the mid 40s. The foot or so of snow that fell late November is pretty well gone from town, but the stunning mountain range across Fredrick Sound from Petersburg with Devils Thumb Peak towering above is shrouded with the year’s new snowfall – it is the beginning of the annual accumulation of 100+ feet of snow that keeps the massive ice fields growing to force the glacial flow down through the steep valleys where we enjoy the thrilling sights of calving icebergs.

We wish you all health and happiness in the New Year and we hope to see you next season on the Alaska Adventurer!