The 120 mile drive from Ninilchik to Seward was breathtaking. The two lane road snaked through the turns in the valley and we could see mountains on both sides of the road.
The different colors of vegetation represent how long ago a glacier covered the area. It is hard to think that ice was here thousands of years ago.
The view was so stunning and it was hard to look out your vehicle’s windows in only one direction. It is so much better making this drive with a little sunshine. When it rains, the tops of the mountains are covered with clouds.
When they built the road, they knew exactly where to add extra turnouts for viewing the gorgeous scenery. We couldn’t go five miles without seeing the little camera sign on a pole, which prepares you for a view ahead.
Lakes and rivers ran along either side of the road and we crossed over many bridges along the way.
Unlike Skagway, the downtown streets run parallel with the water, in the longest direction. Today, the marina and cruise ship docks are almost the only facilities directly on the water. The earthquake of 1964 destroyed the entire town and created tsunamis that surged up to a mile and a half inland.
The open areas that were destroyed became large parking lots, now used as campgrounds. The owners sure can get a lot of campers packed in and they all have a nice view of the water! Just pray that another earthquake doesn’t hit!
Even on the water, Seward was different. There were more little islands and jagged rocks sticking up from the deep water in Resurrection Bay.
We were surrounded by rocky cliffs that housed a lot of different bird species. I was amazed that pretty flowers could grow into the rocks.
The day we went out on the water it was very calm. Just a little bit of wind can create large waves. Sometimes the tour boats can’t go out as far as their normal route due to choppy conditions.
We had a great day out on the water and the temperature warmed up a bit. It was still jacket weather though!
One last picture of water and mountains. We are looking forward to sunshine when we make the drive back to Anchorage in a few days. We can only wish for sun! Cross your fingers for us!
