Anchorage to Seward, Alaska – 31 July 2024
We enjoyed our time in Seward – gateway to the beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park.
Seward was named for William H. Seward, the U.S. secretary of state who negotiated the Alaska Purchase from Russia. It was founded in 1903 as an ocean terminus for the proposed Alaska railway and still operates as the southern most terminus. The gleaming, domed roofed train runs from Anchorage through Girdwood to Seward with awe inspiring scenery. Wish we could have gone for a ride but no doggies allowed!
In spite of that, Seward is a big doggie town. They used to deliver mail by dog team from Seward to rural Alaska Native villages along what is now called the Iditarod National Historic Trail – a 2,300 mile trail. There is a monument commemorating the brave mushers along the Seward waterfront. Every year there is a sled dog race along parts of the same trail.
Seward lays claim to being the founder of the State flag as one of their residents, 13 year old John Benson, an Alutiiq boy, designed and won a contest in 1927 to design the Alaska flag with his iconic Big Dipper design.
Seward was one of the communities devastated by the Good Friday Earthquake in 1964. Luckily the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were able to rebuild it.
On Monday, we joined a Ranger guided walk in the Kenai Fjords National Park, to an overlook at the Exit Glacier, a popular attraction in Seward, Alaska. Exit Glacier is one of 35 glaciers that make up the Harding Ice Field and like many we have seen in Alaska has been receding at an alarming rate of roughly 162 feet per year since 2010.
Markers have been posted along the trail dating back to the 1800’s, indicating where the foot of the glacier reached at that time. The alarming rate of recession of the Exit Glacier is a sobering reminder of the need for sustainable practices and policies to combat climate change and protect our planet and these wonders of nature. It makes you think about what you can do in your personal life to support this too.
A highlight of our stay and a real bucket list activity for us was a Helicopter/Dog Sledding tour on the Goodwin Glacier. We flew straight up the Glacier into a dog camp on the Glacier where we met the main Musher who was ready waiting with his team of dogs. The dogs were very well socialized and enjoyed being petted, which was great. After taking off for our sledding ride, the Musher gave both Derek and I an opportunity to drive the sled. It was such fun calling out commands and every so often “Good Dogs” as well. As we rounded the corner to stop at the camp again the Musher asked us to lean to the right. I was at the back of the sled at this point and Derek and the Musher at the front. As we all leaned the sled went over on its side and we all landed in the snow. However, as I was right in the back I landed on a large metal brake that is pulled by a chain on the side of the sled to slow it down. It was very painful. I knew I hadn’t broken anything but I did feel quite bruised. The staff were very attentive and I had been having such a great time I didn’t want to spoil it, so I told them I was fine and we continued with the kennel tour. There were about 6 puppies in their own cage and we were able to go inside and play with them. They loved the big waterproof boots that the company had made us wear and were tugging away at the laces and tops of them. After that we got to meet each of the dogs in turn and give them some rubs and tickles. They were so friendly. On the flight back, the helicopter pilot took a bit of a detour and flew in amongst the mountains. I had the perfect seat in the front and was videoing like crazy, it was spectacular. It was only as we started to descend back to the airport that I realized my phone was stuck on photo and hadn’t taken a single video. I was so upset as the scenery was so nice.
Back home bruises were starting to show and the following morning the full extent of my fall was evident. My shoulder blade was very sore from twisting, and my breast and stomach had bruises and large, deep scratches. The side of my thigh was black and purple but my elbow as the worse. A deep bruise which hurt every time I moved my arm. I couldn’t help thinking that if I had hit my head instead of my body then it could have been fatal. Really scary thought. I emailed the Seward helicopter desk and told them what happened, enclosing some photos of my bruises. It wasn’t a blaming email, as the tour had been amazing and so were the staff, I just wanted them to be aware that this had happened and it could have been much worse. The following day they thanked me for my input.
The following two days we stayed at the RV as the rain came down in buckets. I didn’t mind too much as I caught up on all my blogs, videos, images, rv planning etc and also gave the inside of the car a much needed clean. I was feeling very sore still, so not up to much in way of activity.
