This past weekend I went to Sitka for the statewide American Institute of Architects (AIA) Convention. The town got involved with the convention and as a result, a good portion of the conference classes and sessions were held in local historic structures.
Sitka from Gavin Ridge Trail.
This is lawn next to the convention center, I thought it was a neat picture.
The influence of Russians is very evident in Sitka.
Like a lot of southeastern Alaskan towns, the city is built on a hill. It makes for some interesting neighborhoods.
The harbor in town.
Another photo I thought was neat.
As a perk of the convention, we got to go on a whale watching cruise. The whales hang out in Sitka this time of year so they were everywhere. The above is a picture of a bunch of architects waiting to see a whale breach. The whale did breach several times but I wasn't quick enough on the draw to get a decent picture.
Native dugout canoe with designs.
We visited a boat launch and repair shop. It was falling into disrepair and the owner's gave a talk on how they are trying to get it back up to speed.
Picture from inside the dilapidated boat hanger, Sitka bridge and town in the background.
We went hiking with a couple 'shrubbies' (landscape architects) from the Forest Service to discuss how trails were designed and built.
Breakfast at the Cable House with live music.
Rose window at a local church.
The school bell at the now defunct Sheldon Jackson School.
Neat picture of a weather building.
Totem poles!
More totem poles from the fantastic Visitor Center at Sitka National Forest.
Totem-tastic!
Original drawings for a historic house in Sitka that the owner was kind of enough to let us tour.
The owners liked doing puzzles.
The Russian Orthodox cathedral spire in the middle of town.
Whew, that's a lot of pictures. For those still reading, in Sitka I tossed our camera off a cliff accidentally. Sara from my office was kind enough to let me borrow her camera for the rest of the trip, shout out to her. We picked up a new camera but I'm a bit sad for the loss of our old one.
Cheers,
