I have learnt many words while preparing for my GRE. Words ranging from picturesque to pulchritudinous and from fascinating to alluring. I have covered a great breadth of vocabulary. But when it comes to define Alaska in words, I would be forced to fall short. In a task too daunting, I would simply be forced to write “You must see for yourself”. After exploring Alaska on a recent trip, I felt that it could not be simply defined through its glaciers and mountains, or its wildlife and human life. I feel that it could only be defined through a firsthand experience.
We set forth on our trip from Anchorage to Seward on an early summer morning. We drove on the beautiful Seward highway, absorbing breathtaking views of the grey mountains. It was almost surreal to watch the river flow by, accented by the bright green pine trees and vibrant wildflowers of every color.
Soon we reached Seward. After checking in a B&B in Seward, we walked along the Seward Harbor side to explore a bit of what this small town has to offer. With the sun shining on the slow rolling waves of the ocean, and the boats being docked, it was a great view. We roamed around downtown Seward which has quaint souvenir shops. Seward is well-known for Salmon so if you are a fish lover, Seward is the place for you.
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| Near the massive Ailak glacier |
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| Seward harbour |
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| Icebergs near the glacier |
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| The beautiful Matanuska glacier |
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| Matanuska glacier |
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| Ice climbing |
The next day, we made our way to the loading dock for a day cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park with Major Marine Cruises. Boarding was simple and easy, and we were on the boat in no time. With the cruise in the middle of the ocean, the park ranger on board gave us information about various sightings. We moved about on the outer deck, taking pictures of sea lions, dolphins, orca (killer whale), humpbacks, otters, puffins, eagles. After a couple of hours we reached a place where the massive Ailak glacier was calving into the ocean. There is no other sound like a glacier calving, and to see it, makes a person appreciate being part of something much larger than their self. This was possibly my favorite part of the cruise, witnessing the glacier calve was really interesting. It was an amazing experience to be on this side of the boat with the colossal creatures (icebergs) swimming besides us. It was something I will never forget. I have seen glaciers earlier on my visit to Switzerland, but none of this magnitude.
Unfortunately, it was pouring all day long and it got colder when we reached further into the Pacific ocean.The cruise was 7 hours, water in the ocean was choppy, so I had to take Bonnine to get rid of sea sickness ughhh...The staff was really helpful and took care of each one of us. They arranged a “junior ranger” challenge, in which kids were to complete tasks, ultimately receiving a ranger badge at the end of the cruise. Overall, the Major Marine day cruise was suitable and fun for all ages.
I couldn't help but think about what a great day it had been. We had done so much, yet we had barely touched the surface of what Alaska has to offer. Thinking that, I soon drifted off to sleep, lulled by the beauty of Alaska.
Some Recommendations
- If you have a sea sickness problem, don't forget to take Bonnine or Dramamine to cope up with it. A pill early in the morning should be good.
- Kenai Fjord cruise selection- both the Kenai Fjord Cruises and Major Marine Cruise are good. Major Marine has the park ranger on board so that is definitely an advantage. The ranger provides guidance and answers any questions which the tourists might have. Check out the major marine tickets at: http://www.majormarine.com/
- Many people trek on their own to the Matanuska glacier, but I would suggest you take a guided tour to avoid any mishappenings as there are many crevasses.
Some Recommendations
- If you have a sea sickness problem, don't forget to take Bonnine or Dramamine to cope up with it. A pill early in the morning should be good.
- Kenai Fjord cruise selection- both the Kenai Fjord Cruises and Major Marine Cruise are good. Major Marine has the park ranger on board so that is definitely an advantage. The ranger provides guidance and answers any questions which the tourists might have. Check out the major marine tickets at: http://www.majormarine.com/
- Many people trek on their own to the Matanuska glacier, but I would suggest you take a guided tour to avoid any mishappenings as there are many crevasses.
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