Day 16, Seward, AK to Seward, AK, 0 mi

13 July 2015

This was another full-on first-rate Alaska day, complete with another bucket filled (first whale sighting).

The rain really came down last night, and I woke up to a lot of commotion from birds, a large ship coming in, fishermen heading out, and traffic noise.  After a cold breakfast under the tarp, we reassessed our camp and decided to move the tent to a location where water wouldn't run under it.  NBD (no big deal).

After a casual morning we strolled into town and got a tasty lunch of halibut and crabcake.  Pricy but tasty.  Next we made our way to the previously scheduled tour boat, which came c/w about 45 middle school aged children.

Next we made our way on foot to the waterfront where we caught a wildlife tour boat operated by Major Marine Tours.  I'll let the following pictures show how the afternoon proceeded...

Yuo talkin' to me?

Mr humpback showing off, over and over

Puffin w/o cigar

Hanging out, digesting

Just a cool photo

We also managed to catch a couple of fin whales spouting off.  Way cool!
Major Marine Tours wildlife cruise is RECOMMENDED!

Day 15, Anchorage, AK to Seward, AK 154 mi

12 July 2015

Although 154 miles isn't much compared to many of our other days, it was enough for today.  The entire day has been cool and rainy/misty/foggy/drizzly.  We donned our rain pants shortly out of Anchorage and made our way on to Seward.  En route we spied more YAFLs, but the weather didn't really make for lovely photographs, so we will try for photos on our way out.   Like Valdez, there is only one way in and the same way out over land.

Seward Marina docs float w/ the tide

When we got to Seward we were both a bit chilled, so we decided that a coffee was in order, which really warmed us up.  We also discovered that the city maintains a LOT of municipal camp sites, including a number of nice tent sites.  These are really nice because they are within walking distance of town centers.  From the campsite we are in one can walk to grocery stores, restaurants, etc.  The marina is also within walking distance.  At $10, this campsite has pit toilets, but no shower.  However we just heard that one is available just a few blocks away.  The municipal campsites in Seward are RECOMMENDED.

I also found open internet access from the tour company we are using (Major Marine Tours), so I nabbed some bandwidth too.

More on Major Marine Tours tomorrow

First time we used the tarp - it was definitely worth bringing

This is a major location for trips into the Kenai Fjords Park area.  In fact there was a large cruise ship docked in the harbor when we arrived.  The focus here is much less on glaciers than on wildlife.  So of course, the spousal unit had to book another cruise in hopes of seeing large marine mammals.  What this means is that we will be spending two nights at this camp site (nice not to break it down tomorrow morning).

While here we stepped into the Yukon Bar (since 1942).  This is one of those bars with the dollar bills plastered all over the ceiling and guns on the wall.  Yes, one of those kind of places (my kind of place).

I'm sure my dollar is here somewhere

Don't take your guns to rown, boys

As I write this it is 9:30 pm and there is still plenty of light.  There will still be plenty of light in two hours.  I am starting to get accustomed to the extra light, but it still seems a bit weird.  Once we start moving south again days will start to seem really short.

Numbers for today...
Average temperature: 60 degF
Number of beers consumed: 2 (each)
Number of calories in dinner:  1300 (each, Progresso chili with Fritos and onion)
Number of interesting neighbors conversed with: 2