Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Everyday for 7 Weeks–Day 18–Seward

I was supposed to go to Tok today, but I was easily convinced to stay another day in Palmer and make a day trip to Seward. I am glad I went. I left all my bags in Palmer, so the bike was light and handled great.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

The ride to Seward from Palmer is about 160 miles one way through Anchorage and then along the bay and down the Kenai peninsula (see map below). The road was fun with lots of twists and turns you would expect from a road that is on the shore of a large body of water. Then there were the mountains. They were ever present and just stunning.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

Imagine riding along with the road winding left and right with gentle curves marked as 45mph. There is a large blue body of water to your left and on your right, a cliff climbs above you into a mountain. Across the turquois water is another snow covered mountain that ends right at the waters edge. Evergreen trees line the road with the occasional deciduous tree sprinkled in for variety. The leaves are just starting to come out, and the grass is mostly green with some dandelions adding spots of yellow. You come around the corner, the sun strikes a small waterfall on the rock wall and shines in a little rainbow as you ride past. The waterfall is from the snow melting high above. The sky is clear blue without a cloud in sight. You pass another waterfall as the road turns to the left. There is a break in the trees, and you can get a good look at the water and the mountains behind. There is no wind, so the water is a giant mirror reflecting the mountain scene and sky. You mutter a quiet “Woowww” as you roll on the throttle and lean into the next right hander.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

That was my ride today. Amazing. It was some of the best scenery I have seen on this entire trip. It sounds crazy, but it is true.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

You already know I love mountains, and when they are put with a large chunk of water. Just wow. I was so lucky with the weather today too.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

Someone in Seward told me it was the best weather they’ve had in a month (clear, sunny, no wind, 50+F). When I finally got to Seward, I just sat on a park bench and stared out at the water and mountains for an hour enjoying the view and the warm sunshine.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

The ride back was also great. Since I stopped and took photos on the way down, I didn’t feel the need to do so again on the way back.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

The return trip was just pure motorcycling enjoyment with my thoughts only focused on the road and the all too frequent "Wow” in the helmet at the scenery.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

I spent some time at the Alaska Sealife Center. Lots of Alaska is only accessible by boat, including the capitol Juneau.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

It was fun.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

I wish I had more time to properly experience the whole place.  (Yes, those are live jelly fish)

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

Next time.

A couple cool murals in Seward:

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

and:

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

A bald eagle almost did this to me yesterday. I got the photo today:

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

And finally, they don’t read so good in Alaska. hehe:

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 18 - Seward

 

Tomorrow, I head for Tok and begin my trip south down to Vancouver. I had a great time with my family in Palmer. I’m grateful I was able to stay with them, and that they suggested Seward.

 

Day 18 Full Flickr Set (66 photos)

 

PS: look for the Seward video later on YouTube.

 

Today’s Route:


View Larger Map

13 comments:

  1. Wow those pictures are so beautiful. I can see why it was your favorite of your trip so far.

    I bet it was nice to have some 50˚ weather with no wind.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks. I was trying to capture the beauty of the place. I think I did ok. I still think "Wow" when I think of it.

      You have no idea! Loved the nicer weather for a change.

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  2. Beautiful mountain/lake pictures Chris!

    I'll be curious to see how the Colorado Mountains fare in your eyes after the above feast.

    dom

    Redleg's Rides

    Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner

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    1. The Swiss Alps have been my favorite since I saw them. CO was my second fave until Alaska. I enjoyed CO in 2009, and am looking forward to seeing them again. I guess it helps AK is 1/3 the size of the lower 48, and is full of mountains. :)

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  3. Beautiful pictures. Seward and the trip along Turnagain Arm is beautiful and I'm glad you had time to make the trip. Now you get to go from the 50°F and no wind back to the Alaska Hwy for a while. So what does that shot up sign say? I just see the word "target"...

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    1. thanks. I'm glad I made the time for the trip. I might get squeezed coming up, but we'll see how it all works out.

      Alcan? yea, it'll probably be windy and cold. lol.

      Just "target" huh? rofl. I thought so!! :) :)

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  4. Oh my! The scenery is breath-taking! Thanks for posting!

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  5. So beautiful it almost looks fake! And is that a Puffin?

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    1. I know right?!

      Yes, a puffin. He was less than three feet away. He splashed me with water.

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  6. The first and the lake are my favorites, but they are all good.

    The eagle was fun. LOTS of shot up signs in AK, almost every one.

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  7. Seward is one of my favorite places on Earth! The Eagle pic made me laugh out loud! Glad you got to soak up some warm sunshine.

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    Replies
    1. It is one of mine now as well. I need to take my wife there. So awesome.

      I like the eagle pic too. When I saw it the shot just popped into my head. I couldn't resist staging it even though I had to put the bike on the grass to do it.

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