Sep 2, 20202 min read

Kenai National Park & Turnagain ARM- Seward Alaska

* original journal entry October 12th 2019 *

Turnagain Arm Alaska

Turnagain Arm is one of the most popular outings for day trippers from Anchorage.

This waterway, that feeds into the Gulf of Alaska, draws its name from the misfortune of James Cook, the pioneering British explorer.

Cook had no option but to ‘turn again’ when the hearsay of a Northwest Passage turned out to be just that, hearsay. You can hike along the scenic byway taking in the breathtaking views of the water below and the jagged peaks in the distance. It is also known for a great spot to pull over & watch eagles.

Popular trails include Bird and Rainbow. McHugh Creek, is another beautiful adventure.

Hikers are welcome as too are mountain bikers

Located 15 minutes from the quaint fishing village of Seward, Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Parks is home to only glaciers, but wildlife, adventures, and views that will leave you breathless.

Kenai National Park, here we were the only people around & no bear spray. No worries, my yodeling & talking skills when nervous, our duet of Father Abraham seem to work in keeping the grizzlies away. But, after reading the recordings log at trail head to Glacier. “Family spotted 7pm on 9/11” we realized we should heed to the trail block post & our gut. - a month to date at 6pm didn’t sound promising.

Next, 20 minute drive to our YURT. Where we were welcomed with a wood burning heater, Pacific winds with beach front views & the crisp taste of a local brew in Seaward, AK.

Seward was beautiful & very cold with the Winds coming from Sea! That morning I woke up freezing as our fire went out around 4am to see our host didn’t exactly chop us much wood as I threw the last piece in the furnace. ( downside of off season travel). Woke up cold again at 6ish. So I threw my boots on in my long Johns to chop wood & restore fire. I was the proud recipient of the total badass award that day.

However, as we were packing up we were super lucky. The furnace continued to die, maybe due to the high winds & land lay? My friend Brooke, was trying to keep it going & added some Match light. I grabbed the lighter to relight & boom- We are lucky the entire thing didn’t blow up. My thumb and pointer got the direct of it. PSA don't put lighter fluid in a furnace.

Eats: we ate at Zudys which was such a trendy cafe with the best food! We've thoroughly enjoyed every time we've been to Zudy's! Their baked goods are incredible. Their sandwiches are always perfection with ratios and how crispy the bread is. Highly recommend making a stop here while in Seward.

Their staff are all very polite and professional, too.