Everyday for 7 Weeks–Day 18–Seward

I was supposed to go to Tok today, but I was easily convinced to stay another day in Palmer and make a day trip to Seward. I am glad I went. I left all my bags in Palmer, so the bike was light and handled great.

The ride to Seward from Palmer is about 160 miles one way through Anchorage and then along the bay and down the Kenai peninsula (see map below). The road was fun with lots of twists and turns you would expect from a road that is on the shore of a large body of water. Then there were the mountains. They were ever present and just stunning.

Imagine riding along with the road winding left and right with gentle curves marked as 45mph. There is a large blue body of water to your left and on your right, a cliff climbs above you into a mountain. Across the turquois water is another snow covered mountain that ends right at the waters edge. Evergreen trees line the road with the occasional deciduous tree sprinkled in for variety. The leaves are just starting to come out, and the grass is mostly green with some dandelions adding spots of yellow. You come around the corner, the sun strikes a small waterfall on the rock wall and shines in a little rainbow as you ride past. The waterfall is from the snow melting high above. The sky is clear blue without a cloud in sight. You pass another waterfall as the road turns to the left. There is a break in the trees, and you can get a good look at the water and the mountains behind. There is no wind, so the water is a giant mirror reflecting the mountain scene and sky. You mutter a quiet “Woowww” as you roll on the throttle and lean into the next right hander.

That was my ride today. Amazing. It was some of the best scenery I have seen on this entire trip. It sounds crazy, but it is true.

You already know I love mountains, and when they are put with a large chunk of water. Just wow. I was so lucky with the weather today too.

Someone in Seward told me it was the best weather they’ve had in a month (clear, sunny, no wind, 50+F). When I finally got to Seward, I just sat on a park bench and stared out at the water and mountains for an hour enjoying the view and the warm sunshine.

The ride back was also great. Since I stopped and took photos on the way down, I didn’t feel the need to do so again on the way back.

The return trip was just pure motorcycling enjoyment with my thoughts only focused on the road and the all too frequent "Wow” in the helmet at the scenery.

I spent some time at the Alaska Sealife Center. Lots of Alaska is only accessible by boat, including the capitol Juneau.

It was fun.

I wish I had more time to properly experience the whole place.  (Yes, those are live jelly fish)

Next time.

A couple cool murals in Seward:

and:

A bald eagle almost did this to me yesterday. I got the photo today:

And finally, they don’t read so good in Alaska. hehe:

 

Tomorrow, I head for Tok and begin my trip south down to Vancouver. I had a great time with my family in Palmer. I’m grateful I was able to stay with them, and that they suggested Seward.

 

Day 18 Full Flickr Set (66 photos)

 

PS: look for the Seward video later on YouTube.

 

Today’s Route:

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