Adventure 969: Alaska Anniversary Trip/B

This trip is giving new meaning to the term: "Red Eye". This morning we were at the local Starbucks at opening time (4:30 A.M) for coffee, a breakfast sandwich, and a game of crib. Our driver picked us up at 5:20 to shuttle us to the train station. We were none too early as the line for baggage and tickets quickly stretched around the block. We boarded the Coastal Rail with no problems and set in for the nearly five hour trip from Anchorage to Seward. Along the way, we took in the full range of mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers. We saw several eagles, a brief glimpse of a moose, and quite a few examples of how the locals live. We even spent a little time in the panorama car with the 360 degree view. After rolling into Seward, we disembarked and once again managed to secure the last two seats on the shuttle bus to the Hotel Seward where we immediately jumped back in time. Our room is in the historical wing of the hotel and features no modern features save a big screen TV, but every feature we need, including an in room sink and a Jack and Jill bathroom, which we kept locked to protect our privacy. We spent the afternoon wandering downtown and along the waterfront trail, and we spent some time watching local fisherman reel in spawning salmon. We topped our night off with a fabulous dinner at a place called the Cookery, where we enjoyed the full gamut of courses including a savory puff pastry starter, a scallop based seafood cocktail, an incredible fresh pan fried Salmon served over a pureed pepper sauce, and (my favorite) a chocolate salt infused mousse doused with fresh whipped cream. Of course there was wine, after dinner port, and coffee. Needless to say, life is good, especially today. 

My Bunny looking quite chipper at 5 A.M. Alaska time.

We boarded shortly after this glorious dawn arrived.

Selfie of the day: That will be two for the Adventure Class.

One of our conductors, Vern Ellis, who cut the quite gregarious rug.

These two flew along side the train for quite some time.

The low tide revealed an expanse of mud which they say is quite treacherous to trek on.

Though they're melting quickly, Alaska has some very impressive glaciers.

Not to mention water, water, everywhere.

The narrator said one in five Alaskans fly. We passed several lakes with planes moored at the docks instead of boats.

Our carriage for the day.

We were surprised to see several patches of magnificent flowers, including this memorial patch named for a local who died young.

Red backed salmon were thrashing up this stream hoping to spawn. The locals were hoping to gather those who  would take the bait.

Quite a few did. Not exactly your local Costco fare. 

Ah, Yes! Dinner: Began with  two of these smoke salmon puffed pastries just to tickle our taste buds.

Followed by a scallop infused version of the traditional shrimp Louie.

The main course featured fresh caught pan fried salmon from the Cook inlet.

And for dessert: Salted chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream. Oh, My!

An after dinner strolled down Fourth Avenue.  We'll be up again tomorrow, but not before the roosters, thankfully.

Right you are, Boo, Boo.