Alaska Part 6: In Which We Skip Climbing Mount Marathon

Also known as, The Very Last (I Promise) Alaska Post

We saved climbing Mt. Marathon for our last day in Alaska.  The reason for this is simple: the Mt. Marathon hike is steep, grueling, dangerous, and muddy.  We were bound to finish at the very least with soaking and muddy boots and hiking clothes and extremely sore muscles; and at worse with numerous cuts, scrapes, and other possibly worse vacation ruining injuries.  The hike climbs over 3000 feet in 1.5 miles.  Seward hosts a Mt. Marathon race every 4th of July, but we were a week too early. See the faint gray line going down through the shale in the right of the photo?  That's the trail.

So we were all pretty disappointed to wake up on Friday morning to drizzle.  The mountain was totally socked in with clouds and fog, too.  While the official race takes place in any weather, the casual hiker would have to be crazy to try it in the rain and low visibility.

However, who could stay disappointed for long with such a cheerful rainy day companion?  Nory doesn't get to wear her rain gear that often (in fact, the pants were borrowed - thanks Peter!).

 We went on a short hike to the Two Lakes Trail, which is in town and starts a few blocks from Dan and Jen's house.  (And, I'm not sure why, but my brother is not that good at getting his picture taken.  In real life he doesn't typically walk around with crazy face.)

In the afternoon we went to the Alaska SeaLife Center.  

 Nory learned a new word - fish.  Pronounced "ish" and referring to anything on the other side of the glass - fish, sea lion, harbor seal, otter, or bird.  (Her other category, which covers pretty much all land mammals including bears and rabbits, is "dog".)  

Stellar Sea Lion

Nory loved the SeaLife Center.  She liked to get right up close and personal with those glass panes too - including licking them, when I wasn't close enough to stop her.

Ever wonder what the fish get to see?

And that, my friends, is the end of our Alaska adventure.  Except for the trip home, which although being extremely long, was not really worth remembering in the blogosphere.  We had a wonderful time.  Not only is Alaska an amazing place, but being able to hang out with Dan and Jen all week was also a huge treat. Don't forget to look through the complete photo portfolio in your free time!  Yep, we've added more!