Freeway Free in Alaska: Up the Inland Passage to Petersburg
Our next stop up the Inland Passage was at the town of Petersburg, settled originally by a group of Norwegians over 100 years ago. We were entertained by a group of students dressed in traditional costumes made by local ladies, with design of Alaskan wild flowers registered with the special organization that registers traditional costumes. I now turn the blog over to my husband David, who is half Norwegian and glories in every drop of squarehead blood.
David’s travel notes: We stopped in Petersburg, a 100-year old Norwegian settlement. Quaint as you can imagine. We went to the Sons Of Norway Hall for some cute Norwegian dances performance by the local 5th and 6th graders in traditional costumes. Absolutely charming, with all those clean-cut Norse smiles. (Note that the girls are taller than the boys – that will change in a few years). They served us morning breakfast treats including Lefse, which my dad used to make much to our puzzlement.
Trophy plaque in the Sons of Norway Hall – most unusual contest!
The lady leader of the dance troupe asked if any of us had any questions or comments. Well, of course, I stood up and said, “I just want to make sure that these kids are aware of this old, famous Norwegian rallying cry: ‘Ten thousand Swedes ran through the weeds, chased by one Norwegian.’
Lots of laughter but then one of our fellow boat travelers, Ken Johnston, walked up to me and said, “When you said that I was ready to kill you: my ancestors are Swedish.” Well, of course, for the rest of the cruise Ken and I got along famously, trading Scandinavian lies.
Like this one: Ken: David, did you know that the Swedes invented the toilet? David: Yes, Ken, but it took a Norwegian to invent the seat for it.
Allyson Johnson 