Wandering Around Seward

Monday, 23 August: Part III

It was past 4:30p when we left the Alaska SeaLife Center; a little too late to attempt a hike to Caines Head to explore what’s left of some WWII bunkers. That didn’t stop us from heading out to check out Lowell Point Beach anyway. Though we were surprised to find ourselves alone, we didn’t question our luck as we strolled along the black-sand beach. The only sounds were those of a few birds chirping and the surf gently washing ashore. It was peaceful; the scenery was spectacular … a winning combination in our book.

Left: Waterfall on Railway Avenue on the way to Lowell Point Beach.
Right: “Two to Travel” pose for a photo op on the beach.

A quiet afternoon on Lowell Point Beach.

This Seattle-based fishing boat ran aground in Prince William Sound
in July; it was towed to Seward just a few days ago.

We spent the rest of the afternoon meandering around Seward, stopping to take pictures of whatever caught our fancy.

The Founder’s Monument on a beautiful summer day.

From the plaque on the column of the monument:

On August 28th, 1903, the steamer “Santa Ana” arrived in Resurrection Bay and Seward was founded by the Alaska Central Railway Co. as the ocean terminus of the proposed railroad to interior Alaska.

John Ballaine chose the site and named the town Seward. He was the chief organizer of a contingent of men, women, children, equipment and horses. As the leader and visionary in the founding of Seward, he described the ship's entry into Resurrection Bay on a calm, clear day:

“If there is such a place as Heaven, I cannot imagine anyone admitted through its pearly gates with sentiments more joyous than I experienced that shining forenoon as we glided easily in those majestic scenes up to the timber-covered site I had chosen for the future terminal city — the future gateway into and out of Alaska's great interior.”

a fitting weather vane for the ocean terminus of the Alaska railroad.

These waterfront buildings sell everything from knick-knacks to tours.

Sitting with my bear friends.

Left: Memorial to those who died in the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake.
Right: I didn’t catch the orca breaching in the Shelikof Strait
on camera. Will this count instead?

Pony Cove — mural in a day — 2006
This mural illustrates a typical summer fishing scene at Pony Cove,
at the mouth of Resurrection Bay.

Our meandering walk dumped us in front of Ray's Waterfront in time for dinner. Our timing couldn’t have been better! No sooner were we seated at one of the few remaining tables overlooking the small boat harbor that the place filled up and diners started queuing up.

View of Ray's from one of the piers in the small boat harbor.

Can't beat the view from our table ...
(that’s royal princess in the background)

... or the food we were served.
(L to r: Caesar salad with grilled Halibut; halibut andaman
(macadamia crusted); pomegranate and blackberry sorbet)

look at the colorful entertainment we had during dinner.
(yes, i managed to get the reflection too!)

Fireweeds and a rainbow to end the day.

As the rainbow faded away, we brought our day to a close. Returning to the resort, we spent the next few hours downloading photos and video from today and organizing our gear. Now, all stands ready for the small boat cruise we have booked for tomorrow. We’re keeping fingers crossed for weather as nice as today’s for our day on the water.