Family, Alaskan Railroad & Seward

Off to Seward on the train for an overnight and Marine Boat tour.

Thanks again to our faithful guide and friend, Ann. Too bad I didn't take my motion sickness med earlier. The trip, for me, was horrendous but I survived. Seward is situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula and is one of Alaska's oldest communities. It is known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park" and famous for its Resurrection Bay Tours.

We passed some beautiful scenery including

Spencer Lake and the Placer River as well as having  interesting commentary from our conductor. Arrived in Seward in much better shape once we touched land.

Had a nice lunch and short tour of the town. It is definitely a fishing and port town. 

Took in a short movie at the local library which featured interviews from local residents about the 1964 earthquake and how it effected them and changed Seward. This is a recommended stop and worth the $3 admission and 45 minutes. Also picked a few books at their used book sale. 50 cents a paperback and huge selection.

No visit to Seward would be complete without a visit to the famous  Alaska Sea Life Center which not only features marine life and it's history but is also a rescue, rehabilitation, and sanctuary center. Very informative with a hands on area to touch the many small sea creatures.

Nap and relaxation at our Inn which doesn't look like much in the photo but very nice (check out link to see inside), clean and quiet with a great view of Resurrection Bay.

Later we walked the shoreline and harbor area for dinner at "Chinooks"  where we were treated to an upstairs window table with a fantastic view and great food.

Our marine tour was very successful. The weather took a break from wind and rain just long enough for a pleasant 3 hour ride out Resurrection Bay

We were treated to viewings of sea lions, otters, eagles, mountain goats

whales (quite a show for a long time and close to boat), dolphins, puffins, and more.

 Our captain took us close to the edge several times for a close up views.

We had a National Parks Ranger on board providing narration and hands on (like this sea lion pelt) information about seas life and the area. 

The all you can eat prime rib, salmon, full bar, hot drinks ( I just had to have a couple "hot otters" (hot chocolate, Irish creme, Kahlua, peppermint schnapps), then dessert bar to boot, all made for a very happy group. Sorry I didn't think to snap this photo before we started eating so the plate is a little messy. Oh well! Carl struck up a conversation with several guys from the west and talked fishing for much of the trip.

The wind picked up and rain started on our return trip. Again, fantastic views of mountain ranges, islands and the town of Seward. Notice the RV parking, much of the water front is open to camping, some private and some run by the city. Many folks were bundled up sitting around their campfires when we walked the shoreline the evening before.

Time to get back on the train and return to Anchorage, this time I prepared better for the train trip and "NO MOTION SICKNESS" but tired from our day at sea. Pictured here are: dining car which had much larger windows and comfortable seating and Turn Again Arm view. The train also had a dome viewing car which afforded great views, but a little on the chilly side.