AUGUST 5th and 6TH, 2009, SEWARD, AK

This has been two busy, full days. We started out car-pooling to the Sealife Center for a behind the scenes tour. They do some studies regarding the wildlife in Anarctica, but the majority are the sea life surrounding Alaska and northern Canada, with an emphasis on the sea life found here in the Kenai Fjords. They had some really large viewing tanks where we saw octopus, harbor seals and sea lions swimming underwater with every sea creature imaginable. Really neat to see these huge mammals swim so gracefully underwater.

After the sea life, Denny took the other 4 dog owners back to the campground to walk the dogs as we were going on a 6 hour boat cruise around the fjords. Our boat was called the Star of the Northwest. As soon as we set sail, we had a buffet lunch of salmon, prime rib and all the sides. The food was amazing for such a small boat. The nice thing about being in a caravan as we went thru the line first and had reserved seating on the best deck. Along the way, we saw sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, about 15 bald eagles, some Dall sheep and the Bear glacier. The morning had started out foggy but cleared up beautifully for our trip. Several people took dramamine in case they got sick and were so sleepy they couldn't stay awake and took naps. Denny did fine until we got back to the rv and then he passed out.

Back at the campground, we had an impromptu social hour and campfire with s'mores. We had fun laughing at all the zombies that had dramamine. They all still looked spacie, including Denny :-) It was another day of adventure.

This morning, we took our time because after Denny got up and had 2 cups of coffee, he went back to sleep for 2 hours! After that, he was fine and we decided to go see the Exit glacier as this was a free day. When we got there, I made the mistake of asking a 20 year old if the 1.4 mile hike was steep and he said no. I should have known better.

The first half was easy and beautiful, the second half was beautiful and straight up!!!!

It was really neat to see the glacier's edge. You could see the blue reflected from the sunlight on the ice crystals and the view of the valley and mountains was breath-taking. When we got about 50' from the glacier, the wind off the ice changed the temperature dramatically! I couldn't believe I had made that narrow, winding, steep climb but it was worth it! Going down wasn't any easier. At the bottom, we saw 2 other couples in our group just starting the climb. I was sure glad we were not just starting.

We went into town for lunch at Ray's and had a nice lunch of chowder, halibut and crab cakes then went to the store for a few items before returning to the cg.

Denny decided to wash the RV and I made a buffalo chicken appetizer for our campfire and drivers meeting.

Tomorrow we head out for Homer. We may not have Wifi there but I will be in touch as soon as possible. Our trip ends 3 weeks from tonight in Prince George, BC and I am already feeling sad. This has been amazing!!!