DAY 13 – June 30
Seward
We dropped off our laundry when the place opened, then drove to Safeway to buy breakfast and lunch on our way to Exit Glacier. We hiked the overlook trail and took pictures at the face of the glacier. Then we went a short ways up the Harding Ice Field trail.
I knew we would not make it to the top of this trail, but I was hoping to get to a good viewpoint and also find some snow for the kids to play in. I knew the trail was steep, but it was more challenging than I was expecting. In a couple of spots we had to climb up some slippery rocks, which was a bit challenging for the kids. I also had way too much camera gear on my back. We went less than half a mile, with no good viewpoints and no snow.
We returned to the visitors' center and had lunch at the nearby picnic tables. We shopped a bit and visited a display of animal hides set up outside. After driving back to our room for a short break, we walked over to the Sealife Center.
We spent a couple of hours at the Sealife Center seeing all the displays of marine life. We all enjoyed the puffins, and the kids especially enjoyed the hands-on tank where they could touch various sea creatures.
We had dinner at the Salmon Bake restaurant near Exit Glacier. I even had a salmon burger, although I rarely eat fish. After dinner we made a quick stop at Exit Glacier again for the kids to stamp their NPS passports (we had forgotten them earlier). I was sorry they had not completed their Junior Ranger booklets, but they never showed an interest this time.
While Tina and the kids got ready for bed, I walked down to the shore and up to the harbor to take some photos. The skies were mostly clear and the light was great from 10:00 to 11:30.
Next: Day 14, Seward to Anchorage, and home
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