Reflecting on the trip, one of my favorite areas was the Kenai Peninsula where we just scratched the surface on exploring its fjords, hikes and towns. Seward was just opening up for the season and was still quiet, primarily full of locals or seasonal workers. I loved seeing the local sheriff visiting various shops to greet, by name, the owners and guests. While we walked down the street, I saw him with his head sticking inside the open window of a pickup truck, chatting and laughing with the driver. The laid back, can do attitude of everyone was comforting and reassuring. Though I am pretty sure I wouldnt want to spend a winter there, spring, summer and fall could be options!
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| colorful murals painted on buildings brightened up the town |
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| Seward was the start of original Idiratod Trail |
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| typical Alaska store has EVERYTHING you could need, cell phones and totem poles |
Home base was Seward, a small town that is typically skipped by the cruiseships because its port was destroyed in 1964 by the tsunami and earthquake. But it appears a cruiseship dock and terminal is being built which will change the small town's personality and commerce.
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| original buildings, survived the tsunami |
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| Turk greeting the locals, the only bear we saw! |
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| watch out for mischievous raven! |
To test our stamina, we hiked up part of Mt. Marathon in Seward. We find out later this is considered a strenuous hike by Alaskans. However, annually, there is a foot race to top and back. We did not sign up and were satisfied with our partial climb that seemed to garner respect when we told locals of the hike. Maybe its our age?!
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| note the warning signs coming down the trail - cliff ! |
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| Mt. Marathon. We did NOT get beyond tree line. |
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| looking out from Seward seaside park |
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| prepping for Ididarod |
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| hanging with old locals |
Big adventure - kayak a fjord to a glacier! Turk is not a swimmer and doesnt really like kayaking, or cold water. What could go wrong?!
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| our boat to the fjord, 2 hours to glacier |
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| Seward port with 'small' cruise ship |
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| entering the fjord with glacier in the distance. humpbacks and Dahl porpoises! |
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| off the boat, unload the kayaks |
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| here we go! |
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| Brave Turk, not so good kayaker |
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| Holgate Glacier awaits! |
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| icebergs that calved from the glacier. Glacier was 'thundering' |
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| glacier ice! |
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| greeted by puffins |
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| bright blue area is from newly fallen ice |
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| close enough! We rocked in the waves from calved ice. |
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| Area around glacier turned greener by the day |
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| We survived! Then a 2 hour boat ride back to Seward. |
Next day was our Alaska Railroad trip to Anchorage via the picturesque Turnagain Arm.
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| our train is ready, and pointing to Anchorage |
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| We dressed the appropriate colors! |
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| strange sights along the way-car tree |
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| picturesque landscape. I noticed a bike trail which would be interesting to take |
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| still so much snow |
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| tunnel view! |
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| around 10pm (May) and sun is starting to set |
Two different views of the Turnagain Arm - low tide
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| one of the largest tidal bores in North America |
Once in Anchorage, we NEEDED to bike along the beach which had been destroyed by the 1964 earthquake and tsunami. Destination: Earthquake Park. The bike trail was fun, interesting and we ran out of time to go longer.
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| landscape changes from 60 yrs ago still visible |
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| land was moved 100 feet and buckled |
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| Downtown Anchorage from beach bike path |
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| original log cabin - visitor center |
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| hungry Turk's wood fired dinner |
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| important trail sign |
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| chugach chocolates |
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| local ingredients make unique flavors |
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| Crab, Salmon Benedict! YUM! |
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