A Day in Seward: Wildlife, Glaciers, and Glimpses of Alaskan Life | 50 at 60 – Episode #19

I’m not even sure where to begin. I’m honestly speechless. Let’s just say I’m starting today’s vlog the night before, right where I am now—it’s almost 11 PM, and the light outside is still amazing. This place… Seward, Alaska. I’ve always used AI images to dream up what my 50 at 60 adventure might look like, but this place? It looks 10 times better than the images I could ever create.

First Impressions of Seward: Beauty Beyond Words

I can’t even describe how beautiful it is here. The colors, the boats, the mountains—everything feels surreal. The harbor is peaceful, and I’m just starting to get a feel for this little town. I’m here at the beginning of the season, what they call the “shoulder season,” and it’s like the calm before the storm. I can’t help but be overwhelmed. I’ll give you some b-roll of the harbor because words aren’t enough to explain it.

Exploring the Harbor and Prepping for Tomorrow

Tomorrow’s going to be epic. I’m heading out on a boat ride, hoping to see wildlife and maybe some glaciers. But for now, I’m enjoying the peacefulness of the harbor, watching the light dance on the water. I saw a seal earlier, just peeking his head up as if to remind me of the wonders here. This place has everything—boats, snow-capped mountains, cool weather, and a funky vibe.

Reflections on Travel and the Journey

As I stand here, I’m reminded of why I love to travel. There’s something about being near the water, in places like this, that stirs something inside me. I’m not a man of many words when it comes to moments like this. I prefer to observe, to absorb the beauty around me. The quiet, the space to reflect—it’s what I’ve always loved about solo travel.

The Boat Tour: Wildlife and Glaciers

Today, I went out on a 6-hour boat tour with Major Marine Tours, and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. We saw killer whales, humpback whales, and even a coastal black bear. There were sea lions, seals, puffins, and more. The beauty of the glaciers was beyond words. The captain shared so much knowledge about the area, and I’m still processing everything we saw.

I didn’t record much of myself on the boat because, honestly, who wants to see my face when there’s so much natural beauty to capture? I’ll put together a montage of the wildlife, glaciers, and landscapes from the trip. This tour was worth every minute—if you’re ever in Seward, you have to do this.

A Last Adventure: Exit Glacier

After the boat trip, I decided to head out to Exit Glacier. I’ve heard so much about it, and it’s one of the last things I’ll do here in Seward. The path is well-traveled, but there were signs warning about bears, which had me on edge. I’ve read all the tips on what to do if I encounter a bear, but honestly, I don’t know how well I’d remember any of it in the moment.

I ended up turning back before reaching the glacier. I didn’t have bear spray, and traveling solo in bear country didn’t feel like the best idea. It’s something I’ve always embraced—solo travel—but there are times when being alone can feel a bit daunting, especially in a place like this. Still, I had an amazing boat trip today, so I’m okay with calling it a day.

Wrapping Up: Reflecting on Seward and the Journey Ahead

This leg of my 50 at 60 journey is coming to an end, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to finish it. Seward has been everything I hoped for and more. From the peaceful harbor to the incredible wildlife and landscapes, this place has left a lasting impression on me.

I’ve been using AI to help create images and visuals for my travels, and while those images get me excited for the places I’m going, nothing compares to seeing it in person. Seward, Alaska, has exceeded every expectation, and I’m already thinking about what comes next.

As always, I appreciate you coming along for the ride. I’ll close out with some final images and sounds of the harbor tonight. More adventures to come—until next time.

In Episode #19 of my 50 at 60 journey, I spend an unforgettable day in Seward, Alaska. The video begins the night before, as I arrive at the Seward Harbor and am greeted by a playful otter swimming in the frigid water. The next day, I prepare my camera gear for a thrilling wildlife and glacier boat ride into Kenai Fjords National Park. Join me as I share a captivating video and image montage from this incredible boat trip. Later, I explore the Exit Glacier area, humorously cutting my hike short due to my fear of bears. The day wraps up with a visit to observe salmon fishermen on the other side of town before returning to the harbor, ending the day where it began almost 24 hours earlier. Experience the stunning beauty and unique charm of Seward with me.

The Author

An aggressive goal to visit all 50 states during my 60th year, but here we are! I share a few other things on the sites below as well!

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