Escapees January-February 2023

Glaciers and Fjords Hangout Seward, Alaska(July 10–17) The second Hangout is in the port city of Seward, Alaska, July 10–17, hosted by Joann and Charlie Kavanagh #132374. Seward is a breathtaking area shaped by glaciers and nestled between mountains and the ocean. It is beloved for sparkling Resurrection Bay and is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. During this Hang out, you will have the opportunity to explore Seward by water, during a glacier and wildlife boat tour, as well as on land via several hikes and walks. The group will go on a ranger-led hike in the National Park to see the amazing Exit Glacier, hike the Tonsina Creek Trail, explore the town of Seward, by participating in a team scavenger hunt to fi nd its many murals, and walk the beautiful Seward Waterfront Trail, a portion of which is also the start of the Iditarod National Historic Trail. You will get to tour the wonderful Alaska Sea Life Center, a marine aquarium known for rehabilitation of the local sea life and educating visitors on the local species. There will also be a visit to the Seward Community Library and Museum to view historical documents and view the movie, “Waves Over Seward: The Good Friday Earthquake,” to learn more about the history of this community.

Gold Rush Hangout Valdez, Alaska (August 2–9) And, fi nally, the third Alaska Hangout of the summer will take place in Valdez, Alaska, August 2–9, hosted by Rob and Laura Kernodle #131897. We’ve timed this one to coincide with Gold Rush Days, a fi ve-day festival with an open-air market and games to bene fi t local charities, plus a parade and much more. During this event, the group will have a guided walking tour of town, enjoy live music at the beer and wine garden and have a pancake breakfast. Located on Prince William Sound and surrounded by some of the world’s tallest coastal mountains, Valdez is an outdoor paradise providing several opportunities for group hiking. You will also spend a day at the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Area, where you will be able to view a glacier as well as local wildlife. You’ll visit the Solomon Gulch Hatchery to learn about salmon and the impor tance of the fi shing industry and see live salmon. There might also be bears to see! Valdez is also a fi shing haven where you can catch all fi ve species of Paci fi c salmon, plus enormous halibut, feisty lingcod and several species of rock fi sh. There will be opportunities for charter fi shing trips, kayaking or

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January/February 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine