It was a long time coming. For ages, I dreamt of going to Alaska. There was something about the allure of the “Last Frontier,” the wildness, the beauty, the unspoiled natural splendor. Yet, the winters sounded rough, and the distance was always too great to drive to. This year, 2023, the stars aligned and I had the opportunity to visit, touring from Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula, then north to Denali, east to Tok, south to Wrangell-St. Elias range, down to Valdez, then back to Anchorage. What a wondrous trip, it was!
I arrived off the plane in Anchorage, snagged my rental car, then drove south to Kenai. By the time I made it to my accommodation in Cooper Landing, it was after 11 PM, and I had to make myself crash for the night. Even though the sun wasn’t fully setting for another hour. The next morning, I was up at what would have been dawn back home in Ohio, then drove to the small town of Seward. Seward is a charming seaside village with a bustling port and offers a range of gift shops and fine seafood dining.
My first stop once I got into town was The Porthole food truck restaurant, which had some hip vibes and a very cool aesthetic. They’re known for offering one of the best breakfast burritos in town, so of course I had to try it! The young lady running the show was very sweet and fun to talk to. I liked her vibe, and really the entire establishment’s overall look and feel was something I was into instantly. The breakfast burrito came out quick and it was an instant “mmm.” I took a bite then wrapped it up, then ran to the docks.
My first stop once I got into town was The Porthole food truck restaurant, which had some hip vibes and a very cool aesthetic. They’re known for offering one of the best breakfast burritos in town, so of course I had to try it! The young lady running the show was very sweet and fun to talk to. I liked her vibe, and really the entire establishment’s overall look and feel was something I was into instantly. The breakfast burrito came out quick and it was an instant “mmm.” I took a bite then wrapped it up, then ran to the docks.
I met up with the folks from Seward Ocean Excursions, and they led us to a 6-person boat for their ‘6 Hour Tour Deeper into Kenai Fjords National Park / Aialik Bay tour.’ We made ourselves comfortable on the boat and were explained the safety protocols, then we were off. I started in on my burrito and it was delicious, gushing with cheese, tasty tender eggs, tasty bacon goodness, and just about everything you could ask for. Little did I know at that time, that I’d be feeling over the moon when I came back. My captain took our small group out into Resurrection Bay before we wandered along the coast of Kenai Fjords National Park.
First, we saw a seal lounging on a rock, otters playing with their young, and a mama mountain goat with a baby being stalked by a bear. As we continued out toward the Gulf of Alaska near Aialik Cape, the water began to swell and smack the bottom of the boat. Our captain radio’ed to other boats in the area and the decision was made to stay within the bay, rather than venture out to Aialik Bay.
First, we saw a seal lounging on a rock, otters playing with their young, and a mama mountain goat with a baby being stalked by a bear. As we continued out toward the Gulf of Alaska near Aialik Cape, the water began to swell and smack the bottom of the boat. Our captain radio’ed to other boats in the area and the decision was made to stay within the bay, rather than venture out to Aialik Bay.
While I was momentarily sad, it was fine, because there was so much to see around Resurrection Bay. Nearby boats announced sightings of a variety of wild life, like bald eagles, harbor seals, bears, mountain goats, sea otters, and other bird life. No whales though. But we did have an amazing moment with a pod of Dall’s Porpoise who were dancing around our boat and breaking the surface with wild jumps through our wake. That was very special.
All in all, it was perhaps the most amazing trip I’ve ever been on. It was small, intimate, and our captain was very kind, willing to answer questions, seek out wildlife and stay for photos. I loved the intimate travel experience, rather than being brought down by huge crowded tours, who care more about their itinerary timing than the customers experience. Seward Ocean Excursions knocked it out of the park, blowing my mind time and time again, allowing me to learn and to take some of the best wildlife photos of my photographic career.
We saw the aforementioned Dall’s porpoise, over 60 bald eagles and a pair fighting over a salmon, a black bear, 8 mountain goats, sea otters, and a slew of bird life like puffins, pigeon guillemots, loons, black legged kittiwakes, common murres, and many thousands of seagulls. Next time I’m back in Alaska, I will absolutely be taking another cruise with Seward Ocean Excursions, because it was legit so much fun!
All in all, it was perhaps the most amazing trip I’ve ever been on. It was small, intimate, and our captain was very kind, willing to answer questions, seek out wildlife and stay for photos. I loved the intimate travel experience, rather than being brought down by huge crowded tours, who care more about their itinerary timing than the customers experience. Seward Ocean Excursions knocked it out of the park, blowing my mind time and time again, allowing me to learn and to take some of the best wildlife photos of my photographic career.
We saw the aforementioned Dall’s porpoise, over 60 bald eagles and a pair fighting over a salmon, a black bear, 8 mountain goats, sea otters, and a slew of bird life like puffins, pigeon guillemots, loons, black legged kittiwakes, common murres, and many thousands of seagulls. Next time I’m back in Alaska, I will absolutely be taking another cruise with Seward Ocean Excursions, because it was legit so much fun!
After being on the ocean, and seeing all the wildlife munch down on fresh fish, and since with my burrito was long gone hours and hours ago, I made my way to the Alaska Seafood Grill on 4th avenue. I was craving something fresh and seafoody. They have a nice setup, especially the outdoor area, where there’s plenty of seating under the sun, and it’s outfitted with games and corn hole for anyone wanting to blow off some steam. The gentleman running the front was very kind. When he saw I couldn’t decide on what to pick, he suggested the fish n’ chips, and offered that I try one of each of the red salmon, halibut and rockfish.
I also ordered a strawberry milkshake, which came out first, and was very good. When my food arrived, he explained which one was which. I started with the rockfish, which was good and reminded me of most fish and chips meals found on the mainland. White, flakey, good tasting, but not quite something to write home about. But then I tried the salmon. Woah! That was good, and in a form I’ve never really had it in. Usually salmon is served grilled with rice or something, but I really liked the way this was done. Lastly, I ate the halibut, and it had me saying, “Dayammmmnn.” It was so damn good. Tender, amazing crunch, extreme freshness that you can taste. Everything I experienced in Seward was top notch and lovely. I can’t wait to come back again. If you get the opportunity to visit Alaska, make this one of your top spots, and definitely take a wildlife cruise.
I also ordered a strawberry milkshake, which came out first, and was very good. When my food arrived, he explained which one was which. I started with the rockfish, which was good and reminded me of most fish and chips meals found on the mainland. White, flakey, good tasting, but not quite something to write home about. But then I tried the salmon. Woah! That was good, and in a form I’ve never really had it in. Usually salmon is served grilled with rice or something, but I really liked the way this was done. Lastly, I ate the halibut, and it had me saying, “Dayammmmnn.” It was so damn good. Tender, amazing crunch, extreme freshness that you can taste. Everything I experienced in Seward was top notch and lovely. I can’t wait to come back again. If you get the opportunity to visit Alaska, make this one of your top spots, and definitely take a wildlife cruise.
Photos by © Brandon Elijah Scott / www.WoodlandHerbal.com
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