The Seward Shuffle...

After Talkeetna, we had already decided to go to Seward for the 4th of July. It's a big deal there and they have festivities all day, starting with fireworks at 12:01 A.M. Yes, that's A.M. We'll just have to take a nap. And then another one.


But back to the shuffle. Originally, we thought we would mosey into town on the 1st or 2nd and snag a prime spot with a view of the water. Luckily, Ms. Paula is an awesome planner and she decided to call and check it out. The gentleman she spoke with sort of laughed, nicely, but he laughed. We found out that you have to be here by June 29th or so and then still work at getting a good spot. After hearing that, we busted out of Talkeetna and headed south. It's a beautiful drive along the coast, often running beside the trains. 

We arrived in Seward on the 28th instead and the place was packed. Oh, no, we thought. We'll never get one of the coveted front spots. You drive through and so many spots have been paid up for days, filled with only a chair and a pay stub. That's what we were warned about. 

Craig and I lucked into a spot on the waterfront, but the others had to spend a day in the back row. We spent the afternoon meeting the neighbors, and figuring out which ones were leaving the next day. That is the shuffle. Everyone trolls all afternoon and then gets out early the next morning, ready to grab a better spot.

Van and Rich located two prime spots and were into the shuffle. With only one more spot to find, I was talking to a nice lady, looked left and saw a motorhome backing out and started running. The man said he was leaving so I wished him safe travels. I now had the spot for Big Mama, but no phone and no walkie talkie. I was just standing there trying to figure out how to get someones attention, since I could not leave the spot. Thank goodness Paula was out trolling and ran into me. What was really funny was that Tom was headed toward me too. He had looked out of the motorhome, seen me take off and knew something was up. By noon, we all had our front row seats. Whew!! Now we can relax and watch everyone else. 















But we are also watching the bald eagles and sea otters. These guys were playing and having a time. The other otter paid them no attention, and just kept eating. They continue to be a source of amusement.

Boats are coming and going, cruise ships and even the Coast Guard's newest ice breaker and research vessel, The USCGC Healy. What a beauty!

Looking forward to a great 4th of July!