Maybe the Cleanest Fishermen in Alaska
Tenakee Springs is centered around a tub. Right in the middle of town, at the top of the dock, a natural hot spring bubbles out of the ground. The Tlingit used it for ceremonial rituals, but since the early 1900s the pale-faced settlers have used it to clean up after a long day of work. A bath house was built around it and the hours are posted. Clothing is not allowed so men and women have different time slots. The rules are simple enough. Soaking Tub We were told that around half of the old houses in the town do not have showers. This is what they use instead. They are kind enough to let passing cruisers and fishermen use the tub as well. At 106 degrees you don't linger in the water, but it felt great. Had the place to myself, but as I was leaving, 2 older men came in for a rinse at the end of the day. The women have dibs from 6-10 PM. This is a quiet, cute community with friendly folks that tell stories about arriving 25 years ago and just never leaving. The 6 or so kids scurry ...
