Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Seward & Exit Glacier

We had quite the day trip today! I'll try and keep it short and sweet, but we had gorgeous weather and I really want to share some great shots of the beautiful Alaska I know and remember.

We started out early this morning and headed about 125 miles down the Kenai Peninsula toward Seward. About a half hour in, we spotted a group of Dall sheep up on the cliffs on the edge of the highway. So we pulled over really quickly and snapped some great photos of the sheep. I also panned out to give you some perspective. Along Turnagain Arm is one of my favorite parts of Alaska...you have literally cliffs on one side and Cook Inlet on the other. Gorgeous.



When we got to Seward, we headed straight for the SeaLife Center and ate lunch on the front lawn that overlooks Resurrection Bay...simply one of the most breathtaking sights around. The sun even broke through the clouds today and made the air nice and warm. We visited all the inside exhibits with our very favorite parts being the seal exhibit, the sea birds, and the salmon display.

On the way home, we stopped at Exit Glacier, right outside of Seward. Tony and I visited it about 10 years ago, but they have a much nicer trail now that goes almost all the way up to the glacier itself.
Don't you love this board they have posted outside the ranger station??
Real cute, until you run across one of these paw prints on the trail...
If you notice, the glacier is really a turquoise blue because of the way the sunlight is absorbed and reflected. It was a great hike (Josh LOVED his first trip in a baby backpack) and we wore the kids out for the long drive home.


This is the view on the hike down from the edge of Exit Glacier. Can you believe that when Secretary of State William Seward bought Alaska in 1867 from the Russian Empire for $7.2 million, the purchase was actually called "Seward's Folly"? Those dummies that called it that got it dead wrong, if you ask me.

10 comments:

Montay said...

That looks awesome we are planning a trip in June of next year hope it is as beautiful as it looks in your pictures..

Kyndra said...

These pictures make me homesick!

The Brough Family said...

Wow... that really is amazing. Beautiful pictures!

Jenn said...

Such pretty pictures. It sounds and looks like Alaska is definitely a place to go someday!

When do you get home?

Nicole said...

Wow, those pictures are beautiful. I would love to visit Alaska someday.

Kathleen said...

soooo beautiful! your pictures have convinced me that we i'll have to make a trip there someday! 'glad your trip is going so well! we miss you!

Eloise said...

Wow! Such beautiful pictures! I especially love the one of the sheep.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay!

Kristi said...

Wow, what an incredible place Alaska is! I can see why you love it! How wonderful for the kids to be able to experience it too! Can't wait till you get back!

Walker said...

Looks so beautiful! Lucky you!

Bonnie B. said...

Georgeous pics! I would love to go to Alaska. Or better yet, an Alaskan cruise!