Seward Alaska

On June 18th we picked Phil up in Anchorage and traveled to Seward which is on the coast of the Kenai Penninsula. A much bigger town than Valdez, tours, and lots of fishing. Joe and Phil decided not to spend 11 hours on a halibut charter, perhaps with sea sickness. Instead the 3 of us went on a tour of Kenai Fiords National Perserve. It was an 8 1/2 hour trip along the coast. The day was a bit chilly (as usual) and cloudy but no rain. We saw quite a variety of wildlife. Both horned and tufted puffins, harbor seals, sea lions, orca and humpback whales, common murres and gulls nesting on rocks that protect them from predators. A very cooperative bald eagle sat for a photo op. We also got an upclose view of Northwestern glacier while pieces that had calved bumped the boat. All along our captain narrated with stories and history. A cold but very enjoyable day. Topped off with a delicious salmon buffet!

Camped near the coast in a rather delapitated campground while Phil stayed in an even worse cabin. Next morning toured the Seward Sealife Center to see sealife up close and personal. One of the nicest aquariums we have ever seen. We were able to see those cute little puffins diving under water. They swim much better than they fly.

Camped on our way back to Anchorage on beautiful Kenai lake and hiked to another small glacier lake, always keeping our eyes peeled for bears.

Joe and I were glad to have Phil's easy company, and he was very excited to be in Alaska.