06/08/05 - The ferry travels along a coastline dotted with islands, some far apart and some close together.  Before arriving in Ketchikan we travel down a narrow channel where small  hunting lodges appear among  the shoreline trees.   As we emerge from behind the island we take our first glimpse of Ketchikan, small houses, red, blue, pink, grey, ascend the hill above the waterfront.  Gradually, as the ferry sails on we see a titanic sized white building to our right.  First thoughts are why such a huge factory in this place.  In moments it is clear.  Not a factory but an enormous cruise ship dwarfing the town.    Before leaving Ketchikan we witness five such ships on the same day.