Cruise Day Number Four Seward Alaska

I sprang out of bed at the crack of dawn, all fueled by excitement to catch a glimpse of Spire Cove as our ship sailed into the majestic Resurrection Bay and into the "not so charming" Harbor of Seward. Despite my early bird efforts, I found myself a tad tardy to the spectacle. Turns out, I underestimated the turbocharged velocity of our vessel. I managed to snag a breathtaking view on our way out of Resurrection Bay. It may not have been according to plan, but hey, sometimes the unexpected detours lead to the most memorable adventures.

Spire Cove Seward Alaska

Way back in the day, Seward was just a blip on the map, a glimmer in the eyes of some gold-hungry prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush. They probably looked at the snow-capped peaks and thought, "There's gotta be treasure hidden in those hills!" Turns out, there wasn't much gold to be found, but hey, they did strike it rich with some seriously stunning scenery.

Fast forward a bit, and Seward found itself playing a pivotal role in the development of Alaska. It became the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad, which was like the Iron Throne of transportation back then. Suddenly, Seward was buzzing with activity – trains chugging in and out, people coming and going, and probably a moose or two wandering around wondering what all the fuss was about.

During World War II, Seward became a strategic spot for the military. They set up shop, built a big ol' fort, and kept a close eye on things. And you know what they say, once you've had a taste of that military presence, you can't shake it off. So Seward became a permanent fixture on the map, a place where adventure seekers, nature lovers, and history buffs alike could come together and bask in the glory of the Last Frontier.

In March 1989, Seward, Alaska, once again found itself in the headlines as the oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound, spilling 11 million gallons of oil. Pictures of devastating wildlife suffocating in the oil-soaked misery emerged, while Exxon attempted to cover up the story.

Nevertheless, Seward, Alaska, rose from the depths of despair, reclaiming its shores as volunteers flocked from all over the world to erase the stubborn stains from its pristine canvas. Today, as the waves gently lap against the shores of Seward, a trained eye can still discern remnants of the 11 million gallons of oil here and there.

The Iditarod Mile 0 marker stands as the starting point of the infamous 2,300-mile network of trails linking Seward to Nome, renowned for its use by legendary sled dogs. Gazing upon this monument evokes memories of the heroic Serum Run of 1925. On January 20th of that year, a telegram reached the governor in Juneau with urgent news: "An epidemic of diphtheria is almost inevitable here. I am in urgent need of one million units of diphtheria antitoxin," wrote Dr. Curtis Welch, the sole physician in Nome, Alaska, a town of just 1,800 inhabitants. 

The antitoxin could only be delivered via dogsled across a portion of the Iditarod Trail, used for transporting goods during harsh winters. A heroic relay of dog teams embarked on a perilous journey across the 674-mile trail from Nenana to Nome, facing gale-force winds, -85 degree temperatures, and blinding whiteouts across the remote Alaskan Interior. Miraculously, the life-saving serum reached Nome in a record-breaking 127.5 hours, without a single broken vial.

Exit Glacier stands as one of Alaska's most accessible valley glaciers, yet our timing proved less than ideal as we found the road leading to it still closed. Seward, too, remained in its partial winter slumber, awakening slowly to the influx of visitors from the third cruise ship to arrive. Kind souls from Anchorage lent a hand, shuttling passengers around town. Opting for the free shuttle, I spent my morning at the Alaska SeaLife Center, eagerly seeking out elusive sea cucumbers. They had evaded me on our last Alaskan cruise, and the possibility of spotting them this time around remained uncertain.

The Alaska SeaLife Center with the missing Sea Cucumbers is an absolute gem nestled in the charming town of Seward. From the moment you step through its doors, you're greeted by all the children living in Seward Alaska or maybe it was just coincidence. The center's exhibits beautifully showcase the rich marine life of Alaska, offering an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're marveling at the graceful movements of sea otters, getting up close with captivating jellyfish, or learning about the intricate ecosystems of the region, there's something to captivate every curiosity. The dedication of the staff shines through in their passion for marine conservation and education, making each visit not only enjoyable but also deeply informative. With its stunning ocean views and engaging exhibits, the Alaska SeaLife Center is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper appreciation of Alaska's marine treasures.