SEWARD, AK.  For the last four days we have been here, the center of Kenai Fjords National Park.  We drove in on the 26th.  On our anniversary, July 27th, we went on a national park cruise through the fjords, where advertising promised smooth waters and clear skies for photographing wildlife like humpback whales.  The weather was horrible, with heavy rain and very rough seas.  Few decent photos.  If we had not made reservations paid in advance, we would have waited until today when the weather would have been perfect.  Another couple on the RV tour went today and had a wonderful time.  Another lesson learned about Alaska:  never make advance reservations, no matter what they say.  There are plenty of seats available every day.  Wait for good weather.

Sea Otter in Harbor

Betty Got This Shot of a Horned Puffin

Aialik Glacier

Steller Sea Lions

Betty Disembarking for Supper on Fox Island

The Over-Hyped Eatery at Fox Island

 On the 28th we did housekeeping things like laundry, grocery shopping, and photo processing.

Today we hiked to Exit Glacier, so named because it was the last glacier along a mountaineer trail.  It was more like a climb than a hike, since the trail was very steep.  Quite a workout.  The rangers twice stopped us due to bear sightings along the trail.  After that we drove along the coast south of Seward.  How different Alaska is in decent weather!

Trail to Exit Glacier

Steven Hiking at Exit Glacier

Beach House South of Seward

Panorama of Beach South of Seward

Trail South of Seward.  This Is Northern Point of  Rain Forest.

 Note the ferns above.  As we saw in Mt Rainier National Park in Washington State and in northern California, ferns grow in cold climates due to moisture.

Tomorrow we head to Homer, a short drive.  Hopefully we have good weather for a while.