The most scenic train ride in Alaska is the trip from Anchorage to Seward. With our Alaska Saver's Book, we are able to go first class for half price, and we're very happy we did.
This is the sea plane base at Moose Pass about 30 miles north of Seward. We start out on a beautiful partly cloudy - partly sunny day, and I decide to wait to take pictures on our return trip; in hindsight, a mistake.
Now in Seward, we take a walk through town and down toward the Sea Life Center, a rehabilitation facility for injured marine animals and birds which opened to the public a few years ago.
Notice (1) it's now raining and (2) the little slice of Resurrection Bay in the background. Discovered by the Russians near Easter Sunday, I was told the Russian word for Easter sounded something like our resurrection, hence the name for this 800+ deep natural harbor in Seward. It is ringed with mountains and glaciers and is an awesome sight.
One of a few ice free-harbors, it was originally thought Seward would make a good capital for Alaska. With the discovery of gold, a railroad was a natural addition.
This little sea otter seemed happy to stay along the harbor, not far from the city park. These are really cute little guys, although technically not that little. They average 90 pounds and are about 5 feet in length.
Now it's time for our return trip. Here are some of the awesome sights which can only seen by train.
One of the many pictures I wish I had taken on the trip going rather than coming. Since we are taking the coach to Seward on Thursday, we are more in a mood to relax and enjoy the trip rather than record every sight. Little did we know it would rain all day Thursday as well, making picture taking difficult.
Almost back in Anchorage, notice how light it is. The train arrives around 10:00 PM, our alarm clock woke us at 4:30 AM in order to get to the train station by 6:00 AM and we still have an hour's drive to get home. A very long but enjoyable day!
For further information:
Alaska Trains, and the
Alaska Sea Life Center
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