A day in Seward, Alaska - August 19, 2013

Last evening we at at Ray's and this was our view from our table!

She large ship in the back we watched pull out of the harbor and set sail, which was about 8 PM.

But, today, August 19th, we hung around Seward.  Mostly because the day did promise great weather (which as the locals say is completely normal - especially during rainy season) and because it is our last day here in Seward.

One thing really cool about Seward is their appreciation for art.  In particular, their mural art is astounding!  Everywhere are large pieces of art for everyone to share.  They even have a Mural Society and the art is everywhere and it is beautiful. 

So, mid-morning we took off for the Alaskan Sea Life Center here in Seward.   With all the coast space in Alaska we were surprised to know there was only one rehabilitation center - here.

The center if right on Resurrection Bay and sits embraced by the huge mountains on either side of Seward.  The building is huge and beautiful and full of wonderful sea life.  Here are only some of what we saw.

Puffin

Prawns

Wolf Eel

Sea Lions

Harbor Seals

We had a great time as the center and read through the aquatic history of this glorious state.  I had forgotten how close we were to Russia from here.  Oh wait, I think I can see it from our deck!!!!!  Sorry, had to say that!

We grabbed a nice lunch in a cafe downtown (downtown is not how it sounds here in Seward).  Seward is a small community with all nice parallel streets where the residential area mixes with the "downtown."  Downtown is a few stores in the central part of town, catering mostly to tourists.  Then again a smattering of them around the harbor area.  Most homes here are 1 story, very small homes.  Our guess was due to heating in the winter.  There are few homes here that I would classify as really "nice" as most appear to be more functional than decorative.

Having been purchasing groceries over the past week, I can't image how people afford food!  That is probably one reason why so many people live off the natural resources, our of necessity.  Most people here fish and or hunt and I think I understand why.  Prices are very, very high here.

Our last day in Seward has come.  Tomorrow morning, we drive up past Anchorage,  beyond Palmer and Wasilla, onto Talkeetna.  We pull away from the coast and head inland.  We'll see what that is all about!  Pray for some good weather because as of right now, it looks pretty bad!!!!  Maybe we will go rafting so it wouldn't matter how wet we get!!!!  We'll enjoy it anyway.