Seward - Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park

The trip south to Seward was magnificent.  We drove along the Chugash Mountains and through the Chugash National Forest.  There were snowy mountains on both sides of the road making it feel as if we were driving through a Christmas card!  Vast ... massive ... regal ... there is no one word to describe the majesty of this area.

Our site next to Resurrection Bay in Seward

City camping in Seward

In Seward we went from being surrounded by mountains to being surrounded by water. This picturesque community is nestled right on the edge of Resurrection Bay.  The city of Seward offers camping along most of its shoreline and for only $15.00 a night we had an incredible view across the Bay and access to the harbor and to the town via a paved walking path. (David later checked at a hotel and was quoted $289 a night for a room with a view!)

Boardwalk at Seward's small boat harbor

"Caught in Seward"

In one direction the walking path led us to the small boat harbor and the boardwalk.  It was fun to see all the action.  David and I watched a couple clean the halibut they had caught on a charter fishing trip.  We chatted awhile and then the wife offered to take a picture of us.  Just as she was taking the picture her husband jumped out in front of us.  To make up for his joke he gave us two fillets of halibut for supper.  That was a nice surprise.... and a delicious treat!

This halibut weighed in at 330 lbs!

A face only a mother could love

I learned that halibut start out with their eyes on both sides of their heads, and then the left eye migrates to the right side.  Since they are bottom fish the adapation makes it easier for them to see while they are lying on their bellies.  I wonder if this is evolution happening right in front of our eyes!

The bike path along Resurrection Bay

Obihiro Park

Taking the path in the other direction leads you into town.  On the way you pass through a small park dedicated to Obihiro, Japan, Seward's Sister City in Japan. Years ago David and I went to Kakagawa, Japan, which is Eugene, Oregon's Japanese Sister City. I sent our hostess a copy of this photograph and now she is following my Blog, and also David's blog at http://www.highwaytoadventure.blogspot.com/.

It was wonderful to reconnect with Miyuki this way.  We have many wonderful memories of staying in her family's home.

Mega dandelions

Cow Parsnip

David and I walked into town a few times to use the internet connection at the Senior Center.  In an empty lot next to the Senior Center there were dandelions growing two feet tall and a HUGH cow parsnip plant.

I guess they are the products of the midnight sun.

Being a florist's daughter has made me appreciate flowers.  I enjoy taking pictures of them and identifying them as we travel.  Although my mother has been dead for six years, when I see something especially lovely, or unusal like these overgrown plants, I still think of telling her about it knowing how much pleasure it would give her.