SEWARD, ALASKA - JULY 1-5, 2017

At he Sea Life Center

It has been several days since I have posted due to several factors including a lack of internet, but mainly due to the days starting early and going late.  Kelly's family arrived in Seward on July 1 and we had 4 full days of packed activity in Seward.  On my birthday, Sunday, July 2, Tommy had chartered a combination Halibut and Salmon fishing trip for his family and me.

Linda stayed back since the boat could only take 6 people other than the captain and the deck hand.  We went out about 9:30 am and did not return until 7:30 pm that night.  Of course there was plenty of daylight since the sun did not set until after 10:30 pm. The day started out raining but as we got further out into the ocean, (45 mile out) the day cleared off and we had smooth waters. We had a great day catching the limit of Halibut along with some silver salmon.

Halibut

Thomas also caught a giant sting ray with Tommy catching a huge Cod.  We actually released more Halibut than we kept hoping to catch that big one.  As it got later in the day, we knew we kept what we caught until we got the limit.  upon returning, Linda had made some Sante Fe Soup and had a birthday cake.  A nice ending for the day.

Monday, July 3rd, we started later and went to Seward's Sea Life Center for the morning. 




Sea Lion

This is a must see while in Seward.  It has all kinds of sea life and is a renown conservation center.  Afterwards we went to Exit Glacier and hiked to the glacier for photo opportunities.  Linda

Exit Glacier

and I had already been there but felt it was something that the others should take the opportunity to see.  Seward is a town of 2500 but on the 4th of July the population increases to over 25,000 because of the International Mountain Race that was to take place the next morning.  The town was buzzing with activity on the 3rd with a festival on the streets downtown.  This was a great local event that people come to participate from several states and countries.  At midnight they had a fireworks display at the harbor.

Midnight Fireworks

We had a fire in front of our Motorhome on the bay and let the boys have Smores and see the fireworks.

Smores Campfire

It was almost 1 am before we got them to bed and we had to get up early to catch a 8 hour wildlife and glacier cruise the next morning.
On July 4th, we took the Major Marine Kenai Fjords wildlife and glacier tour.  Words cannot explain the day that we had and the pictures will not do this trip justice.  The Major marine has a park ranger on board that talks as you are cruising to see wildlife and the glaciers. This particular company also assigns you a seat and you don't have to worry about losing your seat as you move outside for viewing.  WE HAD A BANNER DAY!  We saw two sets of Orka

Humpback

Orka



Humpback

Bald Eagles

Whales, one set on the way out and another on the way back.  There was a huge Bull Orka in the group on the way back.  Also we got into a school of Humpback whales, over 16 of them.  They were in front, on the side and in the back of the boat as we moved.  The captain finally stopped the boat and got on deck to take pictures of the whales, saying he had not seen this many in several seasons.  We saw Puffins, sea otters, and sea lions, a black bear, Eagles
  and harbor seals. After passing the Bear glacier, we stopped at two other glaciers, the Aialik and Holgate Glacier.  The captain cut the engine while getting very close where we could experience the glacier calving. 


Sea Lions