Monday, June 23rd

Well our time in Seward is rapidly coming to an end.  To say it has been wonderful is an understatement.  As long as we realize how the weather changes so rapidly and that there will be some afternoon rain, all is good.

We have been to the Sea Life center and enjoyed every minute of it.  Tam and Betty spent the best part of Sunday enjoying the animals.  The guys had to leave to watch the soccer world cup for awhile.
Here are some of the birds and harbor seals:

Today, we took the tour of the Iditarod (family has won the past 3 years).  The grandfather, Dan Seavey, was a major participant in launching the race in 1973.  His son, Mitch, won it in 2013 as the oldest ever to win after his son, Dallas, won it in 2012, as the youngest ever to win.  Dallas repeated his win in this year, 2014.  Son Danny runs the family business which in the summer features close encounters with the sled dogs and a ride on a BIG sled for 7 people!

The Seavey family is now legendary in Iditarod lore!!

 We got to go on a sled ride with the dogs..  Learned all about their diet, clothing, and even got to hold and spoil 7 week old puppies.  The huskies dogs are no longer the ones that do this.  They have cross- bread various dogs that are able to pull and withstand the long days.  It was so much fun!  Loved every minute of it.

The kennel yard--about 90 plus dogs with their plastic barrel dog houses.

Betty gets up close and personal with Robin...she was a sweet girl!

Robin gives Ritchie a kiss!

Another look at the kennel from the back side.

7 people plus the guide on a 600 pound "sled" being pulled by 15 willing doggies!

It's a long ways from lead dog back to the "sled"!!

At the end of the run, some of the boys and girls were tuckered out!

Tam with a 7 week old "sled dog" puppy!

Betty holds one who makes heavy eye contact:  "Take me, take me!"

Tam and Betty compare pups!

Nearby, momma worries about her pups--they had just been taken from her the day before!

Ritchie gets his chance to hug a wee one!

Jack tries the belly scratch, lay on your back, go to sleep routine!

We have gotten to see cruise ships arrive and depart the Seward harbor.   Seen barges come in and unload, pick up additional cargo and leave port.

Eagles have been seen along the shore as well as otters.  The Alaskan folks are extremely friendly and will tell you their life history.

Tomorrow, we head to Homer and hopefully the guys will try their luck with fishing.  Tonight, our final dinner is salmon which Rich has marinated and will cook on the cedar planks.  The sun has come out again after  2 hours of light rain.

We understand their was an earthquake today and thank everyone that has checked on us.  We felt nothing and also have had no warnings.

LIFE IS GOOD!!!