Well, we did it.  We took a nap and set the alarm for 11:45PM, got up and got out to see the fireworks.  Lots and lots of people were out there to ooh and aah over the lights in the sky.

The next day was the annual Mount Marathon Race.  Men, women and juniors trudged up Mount Marathon and scrambled down creating clouds of dust behind them.  The women’s winner broke the record by 39 seconds.  It was fun to talk to people who were all exhilarated and proud of finishing.  It’s only a 5K but is a grueling climb and perilous fast decline on gravel and shale.  Many people run it annually and train several times a week.

As we were walking to the race there was a parade with all the local fire trucks, etc.  and who should be parading but Lisa Murkowski, the Alaskan running for Senate reelection.  She even said “Happy 4th of July” to Steve.

The next day we signed up for a Kenai Fjords glacial dinner cruise.  The dinner was nothing special but the animals were.  It wasn’t crowded so everyone got to move around when there was something to see.  

The sea lions were basking on the rocks and making their loud groaning sounds.

The large bull sea lions were playing King of the Mountain.

A whale kindly breached right next to us and the woman who got the perfect photo was happy to share it.

Some sea lions hang out on the ice floes. 

When the glacier calves, or breaks off a piece into the water, there is a loud roar and a big splash.

The boat crew picked up some glacial ice and chopped it into chunks so everyone could have a piece.  It was totally clear and stayed in our cup for a long time because it was big.

The boat was able to pull right up to the fjord for some great photos.

Now that the 4th of July holiday is over the campground is much less crowded.  RVs still come and go but we have a lot more space.  

Yesterday we went to the Alaska Sea Life Center. It is a research and rehabilitation center for all kinds of local birds and sea creatures. I liked the touch tanks and the ability to see the animals cavorting above and below the water.

The little stores in town are less crowded too.  On that note it is worth mentioning that even though Seward has its share of tourist shops there are no simple convenience stores for basic necessities. There’s a supermarket 1 1/2 miles up the road and there is a free shuttle but we are all set here and don’t need to leave for anything.  It is supposed to rain for the next three days but that doesn’t stop us from walking uptown and staying busy when we’re not staying warm and cozy inside.

Seward has many interesting and colorful murals.