Like many Alaskans, I first arrived via the Alaska Marine Highway, in my case more than 34 years ago aboard a ferry from Bellingham. I’ve only traveled the Inside Passage twice and, tied to departure schedules, barely had time to alight and visit the towns that passed by so quickly. From Haines I headed straight for the Interior and have never since lived elsewhere in the state. So despite the Panhandle having the most extensive history since Europeans arrived in Alaska, my familiarity with the region remains limited.