This vast cold expanse that is large enough to encompass even the strongest and most powerful sentiments could also reach deep and touch you with its simplicity and serenity. Alaska is real, it's not a zoo or a dream. It is real life and one needs to experience it first hand to fully appreciate it. This trip and my last, I was a visitor. Before then we didn't visit Alaska, we lived it and had an experience no tourist can comprehend.
After leaving Portage we continued down a simple back road highway to Seward. Upon our arrival we found it to be a typical harbor town with a jam packed small boat harbor dwarfed by a commercial cruise liner, a princess of a ship. Along side it was an old, well used barge that shipped coal from the mines of Denali on the interior via railway and then transferred it on to a mile long conveyor belt to board the ship. This particular ship's destination we found out was Hong Kong. Alaska is truly a diverse place, serving a multitude of occupations, peoples and needs.
We found a small, clean motel in Seward. The staff was friendly and eager to point out all the places to eat and sites we could see. Alaskan's love to talk about Alaska and share the best of their uncharted world to Outsiders. One point of interest was a waterfall. It was hard to imagine there were more waterfalls after the hundreds we counted on our way from Anchorage. But there were, one's that emptied right into Resurrection Bay. One in particular that was high upon a mountain, only to be seen with binoculars. Alaska is a love affair of a lifetime that never ends, even if you leave.
The hotel staff also shared all the favorite eating spots and so we strolled down the wooden boardwalk and found a cozy little café. After eating tender fresh caught Halibut and Caribou burgers with a very mild wild flavor we retired for the night, anxious to take our long awaited harbor cruise the following day.
We arose early the next day so we could visit the Sea Life Museum in Seward before our real day began. It turned out to be one of the highlights of our day. Once again, witnessing marine life up close and personal can be captivating. You experience their precious faces and massive bodies in a way you just can't have in the wild, being a short time tourist. The museum was very hands on and full of educational opportunities for young and old alike. They had a petting zoo for those who wanted to touch sea anemones and star fish. You could go outside and watch Stellar Sea Lions and Harbor Seals when they surfaced or go downstairs and observe them through their glass enclosed tanks. They were really quite friendly and loved to show off for their guests.
Sea Otters are playful and fun. Lounging on their backs with babies or food on their bellies is an entertaining site. This was a miniature SeaWorld focused more on research than entertainment, but fun none the less.
Ah- we were now ready for the highlight of our visit. The harbor cruise aboard the Star of the Northwest; owned and operated by Major Marine Tours and operated by a friendly and most accommodating and knowledgeable staff.
Boarding began at 12:15 pm from the end of Pier E. The staff photographed us as we boarded the small vessel, well prepared with cameras, rain gear, coats, sea sickness medication and literature galore. What we weren't prepared for was the absolutely clear, beautiful skies, the calm waters of Resurrection Bay and the elegance of the mountain and coves that encompass the Kenai Fjords National Park.
We had come hungry being informed that there would be an all you can eat salmon and prime rib buffet. Thus our original thoughts were focused more on food than listening to the safety presentation. Being a bit apprehensive of the water I did give it some of my attention, just in case!
We exited the harbor and ventured into the fjord. A fjord I discovered is a passage that is carved by glaciers over thousands of years. These passages can then be filled with sea water which allows the marine life to migrate in, ever closer to shores. The snow capped mountains encased the bay and were magnificent as they reached upward inviting the eye to scan for wildlife on its banks and cliffs. Many bald eagles and their nests were spotted, even by the Junior Rangers aboard. One passenger was able to detect a black bear sunning on the side of the hill. Everyone raced to that side of the boat to watch it in hopes it would arise and forage for food. No luck with that one!
