On the Auke Bay ramp to the float to catch the Allen Marine's Catamaran

Two Allen Marine catamarans pulled out of Auke Bay’s boat harbor to Hoonah early morning last Saturday, August 21, with almost 150 Juneauites on board each boat.  The town of Hoonah has more veterans in the State of Alaska per capita than any other town in Alaska – it was time to celebrate.  To coincide with the event, Hoonah’s Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall hosted a fundraising event to pay for its taxes for the year;  5 Native dance groups from Juneau participated.  The catamarans were packed.  This was just a day trip.  15 minutes out of Auke Bay’s harbor the weather, of course, improved.  The 2.5 hour sail to Hoonah was beautiful; the sky broke, the ocean glassy, and the captain shut down the engines for about 20 minutes while a pod of about 12 humpback whales swam around us!  (when I learn how to add videos to my blog, I’m adding the one I took of the whales swimming towards us…check back by the end of August to see this video).

Although I am not part of a dance group in Juneau, I brought my button robe and beaded hat.  I knew there would be the welcoming ceremony when we arrived at the dock in Hoonah.  As we pulled in to the harbor, most everyone on board (who was attending the event) dressed in their regalia.  Songs were shared.  Cameras were flashing; videos shot.  And there were lots of children!

2nd Catamaran pulling into Hoonah Harbor; Graveyard Island in background

Arriving Hoonah town

One of my mother's best friends, Lillian Austin

Eagle/Raven Dance group leader, Atricia Makaily and daughter Leandra are Chilkat weaving on board the ship

Clarissa checks out Atricia's work

A son assists his father doning his regalia to prepare to greet their hosts

Hoonah's Mt. Fairweather dance group welcomes their Juneau guests

Dancers listen to their hosts singing the welcoming songs

Rose with baby Lilliana wait to disembark

Heading for the ANB Hall in Hoonah

Everyone heads up the Hoonah dock ramp in anticipation of a good celebration at the ANB Hall

I went to Hoonah to pick berries with my friends Jan and Greg.  I knew this was my only chance.  I had to make a choice between celebrations and berry-picking.  The harvest was fabulous!