Alaska: Seward

Monday, July 3, 2023, Seward, Alaska

The ship arrived at 7 am. We got off the ship at the crack of 9:30 am after taking pictures of the spectacular mountains.


Spectacular mountains



Where we caught the shuttle bus into town.


We took the free shuttle into town and went to the overpriced but nice aquarium. There were interesting exhibits about salmon and some hands on stuff for kids. There were some large tanks with seals, and a giant pacific octopus. 




Outside the aquarium was “Mile 0” of the Iditarod trail, with a statue of a prospector and his pack dog symbolizing pioneers of the era when the Iditarod Trail connected the interior of Alaska to Seward and the rest of the world. 


Mile 0 of the Iditarod Trail


We walked up the hill into town and found the trail head of the Mount Marathon Race, happening tomorrow. Participants were out scouting the area for the best way up and down the hill. Campers were arriving as we walked around the area, ready for tomorrow morning’s race up the mountain. 


A contestant working out the fastest way down this formidable slope for the race tomorrow.

Near the Mount Marathon Race starting point



We found a second hand store where Charlie bought an Indiana Jones hat. Outside streets were in full swing celebration of July 4 with many booths of food and arts and crafts. The occasional person was wearing a costume (for example, an eagle costume) and the atmosphere was very festive. They did it up for July 4, and started the day before which worked out great for us (here on July 3). We caught the shuttle bus back in time for our 4:30 pm all aboard call.


Charlie in his Indiana Jones hat 
Note the sign has a picture of people racing up Mount Marathon. 


On the way out of the harbor the scenery was spectacular from our balcony, with many birds flying everywhere. 

Leaving  Seward



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