Denali National Park & Alaska: Part Three

So, I guess we did and saw more in Alaska than I recall. This will not, in fact, be the final in the series. I am rather enjoying putting down all of these memories, and I hope my wife will have as much fun reading this when her birthday rolls around. So forget the heading and enjoy a free trip to Seward, Alaska.

Alaska is a really big place – duh! In the two months we were there, we moved slowly, staying a week or so in each place we visited – returning to three locations for a second visit (Denali, Palmer and Seward), and in that time we covered something like 4500 miles! The previous segment (Part Two) left off in Homer. That was our first stop and kinda got us ready for Alaskan style holidaying. Next up came Seward, and we really fell in love with the Land of the Midnight Sun (yeah – bring an eye-mask!). First off, Seward had a Safeway – our late night entertainment hot spot. Honestly, having a supermarket with such an astonishing array of products was entertaining, and the fact that it was open ’til midnight made those looong evenings less tedious.

Safeway – a shop for some, but Entertainment Central for us!

I guess the thing we liked most about Seward was the astounding natural beauty: just look at those mountains rising up behind the supermarket. Sure, we visited the Alaska SeaLife Center, hung out in the fantastic library (another hot party joint!) and generally relaxed around camp, but what stands out most for me is the fact that we must have walked 15 miles a day – sometimes more – every day. With so many hours of daylight each day, you really do get great bang for your waking hour buck. Here are some of the scenes from our meanderings around Seward:

View from somewhere near the top of Mount Marathon. Seward, AK

Lunch break at the emergency shelter. Harding Icefield Trail, Seward, AK

Harding Icefield Trail, Seward, AK

Exit Glacier. Seward, AK

Exit Glacier

Somewhere below Mount Marathon

View from Hank’s Place

This last image was taken from the deck of a truly nice man. We met him and some of his friends on a beach near Miller’s Landing where he promptly offered us the use of his yard and dunny if we wanted to stay a little closer to the water. As you can see, we took him up on the offer. What a way to spend an evening – thanks Hank!

Catch ya later,

Wes