Alaska-Seward and Alyeska

 This trip had been planned since last year. We knew the hotels we wanted to visit, restaurants we wanted to eat, adventures we wanted to try. And then Covid came and ruined all the plans. With cases going down significantly over the summer we decided it’s the best time to replan. Marius and I were very excited, the girls not so much ( it’s going to be cold, that we’ll go “ hiker balaiker “ all day long. We went anyway. 

We spent a night in Anchorage. Next morning we decided to have fast breakfast, buy some souvenirs and head to Seward. Things were not going well. I put on mascara and it dripped on my eyelashes. For a good hour or so I was convinced my retina dislodged due to high altitude ( we weren’t at high altitude). But then, the scariest thing happened. We were having crepes at a small cafe when Amelia said they’re spicy. I thought she’s just being difficult. And then she started coughing, turned a bit purple and said her tongue feels funny. And then I knew she’s having an allergic reaction, most likely there were walnuts in the crepes. I started towards the car where we had the Epi pen, but I could tell she’s already recovering. The episode lasted 5-10 minutes, but I was scared for the rest of the day. I called my mom and asked to pray for us. And then, all went smoothly. 

We headed towards Seward. Kenai peninsula is breathtaking. Huge mountains covered with glaciers, fiords, we had quite a few adventures there. We started with the aquarium, nothing outstanding, but the girls liked it. Of course, the gift shop was for Ami the most important part. But, one of the funnest things we did, was the dog sled ride. We got to cuddle with puppies, talk to the dogs, and get a ride in the forest. I loved it, the girls loved it. Next day we hiked to Exit Glacier. The most adventurous part of the hike was Marius’s shoe losing its sole. Being the first glacier we saw and also the first outdoor hiking I enjoyed it anyway. Last day in Seward was reserved to the boat trip among fiords, to see glaciers and whales. What a trip! No good pictures of the whales as they tend to jump whenever they want, not when I have my camera ready, but we saw glaciers calving, seals warming themselves on ice platforms, incredible mountains rising from the ocean. A place like no other. 

When all was done, we started towards Alyeska, our second stop. Truth be told, we HAD to stop there as we could not find a hotel for nights in Seward, so we booked 2 extra nights in Alyeska. Rather old resort, but pretty. We took a cable car up the mountain, we drove through a o e way tunnel and, the best part of all, we hiked and TOUCHED a glacier. For me, the highlight of the trip for sure .

When all was done, we got into our rental car ( that had a terrible smell that lasted for the duration of our trip) and headed to Denali.