Kenai Peninsula - Seward, AK

Our final destination on the Kenai Peninsula was Seward.  It was founded in 1903 as an ice-free port.  In 1980 the ice fields and coastline to the west were designated as the Kenai Fjords National Park.

The only road access to the park is Exit Glacier Road which was our destination.  We lucked out in timing, since a ranger was just leading a group to the glacier.  Judy asked if the bugs were as bad on the hike as they were at the meeting place, and he told us it was.  So, we hurried back to the truck, sprayed ourselves with Off, put on our hiking boots, took our energy bars, water and walking sticks and hurried to catch up to the ranger and the group.  Going with the ranger we were able to identify the flowers we saw.  He also shared a lot of history about the glacier and area.  Our adventure took two hours and was very enjoyable.

The next day we visited Seward’s latest attraction, the Alaska SeaLife Center. This marine laboratory and aquarium was partially funded by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Settlement fund.  It is a large facility with displays of Alaska marine mammals, fish, and birds.   



Exit Glacier from the Road

On the Way to the Glacier

Getting Closer

We Made It

Alaska SeaLife Center

Stellar Sea Lions

Harbor Seal

Tufted Puffin

Un-Tufted Puffin