SEWARD
Hunter and I spent the summer of 2022 in Seward, AK, working for Exit Glacier Guides and Liquid Adventures. I split my time between the office, organizing logistics and making reservations, and the trails, leading hikes to Lost Lake, the Harding Ice Field, and on Exit Glacier. Hunter was a full time hiking and climbing guide on Exit Glacier and Godwin Glacier.
MAY
EXPLORING TOWN
There is a lot to do in Seward, right in town! We spent a gorgeous day in May checking out the parks and businesses in this beautiful coastal town. Although May offers a higher possibility of sunny days, it is possible to enjoy the sun throughout the whole summer. More likely, however, is drizzle and clouds as the summer creeps on; it is a rainforest after all. A rainy day in Seward is the perfect excuse to explore town!
The Alaska Sea Life Center is a great stop, especially for kids.
Resurrect Art Coffee House is a cozy place to enjoy a hot drink and a delicious pastry.
Seward is the mural capital of Alaska, so make sure to take in the artwork as you walk around town.
Waterfront Park
The best cafe in town!
Seward Boat Harbor
When in Seward, the Seward Outdoor Store is a must-do stop! There's a variety of outdoor gear, bear spray and camping rentals, and wonderful people who can give you trail reports and hiking suggestions. Liquid Adventures kayaking tours and Exit Glacier Guides glacier tours are also run out of the Seward Outdoor Store, so if you are up for an epic adventure then definitely stop by!
Hunter and I started work, helping prepare the shop to open in early May.
EXIT GLACIER ROAD
Just outside of town is the only road that leads into Kenai Fjords National Park. This road, know as Herman Leirer Road or Exit Glacier Road, follows the Resurrection River, eventually crossing the river and ending in a parking lot at the base of Exit Glacier. There is also a visitor center, and the trailhead for the Harding Icefield Trail at the end of Exit Glacier Road.
Kenai Fjords National Park is accessible by boat or ski plane as well, but driving in is by far the cheapest way to visit the park. Exit Glacier Guides also runs a shuttle service to and from the park if you don't have a car.
Exit Glacier, still covered in snow
Hunter on the edge of the Resurrection River
BEAR GLACIER LAGOON: A RECON MISSION
Hunter and I accompanied Liquid Adventures owner, Brendan, and a few other Liquid Adventures employees to Bear Glacier Lagoon. This kayaking destination is extremely unique and incredibly beautiful. During the early season, the lagoon is too clogged with icebergs for Liquid Adventures to take clients kayaking. As the temperatures warm up, the ice begins to melt and loosen up, and eventually icebergs begin to drift from the lagoon, down the river, into the ocean. When conditions are right, kayaking in Bear Glacier Lagoon is a breathtaking experience!
Brendan and his trusty co captain driving us safely through the bay
The Phoenix Marmot waiting for us to return
Our recon mission revealed that the lagoon was still too full of ice to begin running trips. So, if you want to go to Bear Glacier Lagoon, don't come to Seward in May!
MOUNT MARATHON
Our first trip up this Seward classic was rather snowy! Mount Marathon is accessible right from town, via the Race Trail (very steep and difficult) or the jeep/bowl trail (more gradual). When in Seward, this is a must-do hike. Make sure to bring bear spray and check trail conditions before going!
The Harding Ice Field!
I was able to sneak onto a flight with Seward Air Tours, as pilot Joey brought our clients up to the Harding Ice Field to meet their lovely guide for the day, Rose McAdoo!
Harding Ice Field.mp4June
I tagged along on a Liquid Adventures Bear Glacier kayaking trip!
A training day on Exit Glacier
Bear Mountain Running
Bear Mountain consists of two peaks: Little Bear and Big Bear. We ran to the summit of Little Bear, but there was still too much snow to get over to Big Bear. Fellow Exit Glacier Guide Phil came with us and captured these great photos!
Ten days into June I guided my first trip on the Harding Icefield Trail. We didn't make it all the way to the end due to snow.
A post work, 12 mile jog to Lost Lake and back... not my idea but GORGEOUS!
June 15th: Hitched another ride today, this time with the famous Heli Mike from Marathon Helicopters. He flew us over Bear Mountain to Bear Glacier Lagoon to drop off kayakers, then back to Seward over Resurrection Bay.
A wonderful, sunny Aloha Friday!
In uniform of course!
Happy Solstice!
Midnight on Marathon with an a amazing group of friends!
Finally, by June 22nd, enough snow had melted so we could make it all the way to the top of the Harding Icefield Trail!
July
On the Fourth of July, Hunter and I could be found spectating at the oldest mountain race in the country: The Mount Marathon Race. Legend has it, this race started as a bet between two guys in a bar who couldn't agree whether it was possible to go up and down the mountain in under an hour. The race is one of the toughest 5ks, gaining almost 3000 feet of elevation in about 1.5 miles.
The beginning, and only flat part of the race
About 1/2 way up the mountain, watching the trecherous descent
Race Start on 4th Ave
Of course, ice cream is a necessity, especially on the 4th of July! We enjoyed frozen treat with co-guide, Tatum, at the fair in downtown Seward. On this summer holiday, over 35,000 people come to Seward!
Tonsina Creek Trail on a rainy day
Up Little Bear Mountain again, this time no snow!
