As part of our Alaskan National Park adventures with Meghan, Emily, and Matt, we planned to embark on an 8½-hour cruise with Kenai Fjords Tours to experience Kenai Fjords National Park and to have dinner on nearby Fox Island. The morning was gloomy, with rain and low clouds obscuring the mountains and fjords so we were already a little concerned by the time we arrived for our check-in at the dock in Seward. It was then that we learned that our dinner at Fox Island was canceled (we received a $25/person credit, so how good could that dinner have been?) due to a water main break.
With so much going against us, Donna and I considered postponing the cruise; Meghan convinced us to go. We are so glad she did!
Our journey aboard the Alaskan Explorer, guided by the charismatic Captain Emma, took us through Resurrection Bay and into Kenai Fjords National Park. The weather miraculously cleared as we entered the Gulf of Alaska, setting the stage for an incredible day of wildlife spotting and glacier viewing.
Highlights included:
– Witnessing the advancing Holgate Glacier and the retreating Aialik Glacier, with its dramatic calving
– Spotting diverse wildlife: harbor seals, puffins, sea otters, a black bear, and sea lions
– A thrilling encounter with a pod of orcas, fulfilling my (David’s) wish to see these magnificent creatures in the wild!
Our day far surpassed our early morning expectations, with stunning views of Alaska’s rugged coastline and an abundance of marine life. We also had the chance to explore the park’s namesake fjords, and now I truly understand why, in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the planetary designer Slartibartfast was celebrated for his work in crafting these incredible valleys and inlets. Award-worthy, indeed! Way to go, Slartibartfast!
Oh yeah, about that canceled Fox Island dinner, missing it led us to discover The Cookery in Seward, which turned out to be one of the trip’s culinary highlights.
So remember: Leave the Fox Island dinner, take the cruise (with apologies to Clemenza from The Godfather).
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