So glad Papa came along with us on this adventure.

Bald Eagle was not remotely interested in us.

Trying to get the salmon back into the lake.

Dinner at Ray's. Best view and food in town.

Loved this trip so much and adventuring with Papa.

Day 9, Bear Lake, Mt. Marathon & Ray's

July 23 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

Wednesday was our last full day in Seward and I wanted to make sure the boys got a chance to get out and kayak while we were in the area. Papa agreed to join, so the four of us headed out for a paddling adventure while Nate decided to take a long run around Seward and up Mount Marathon.

Our kayaking guides took us to Bear Lake where we got to see the salmon running and leaping for their reproductive lives. It was such a surprising experience to get to see this legendary practice in action.

We paddled from one edge of the lake up to the salmon spawning site. Our guides pointed out newly laid salmon eggs and showed us salmon carcasses that bears had left. The salmon are so plentiful in this area that the bears only eat the salmon skin and leave the rest to rot or for other critters to nab. Our guide rescued one salmon who accidentally swam up the wrong way, which was funny to watch.

We also spotted a pair of bald eagles perched near the salmon spawning area and walked through the temperate rain forest a bit, spotting bear tracks. It was really special to get to do this with Papa, who said he really enjoyed the morning on the lake, not something he gets to do much in Kansas and definitely much better scenery!

While we paddled, Nate decided to try his luck at summiting Mount Marathon, right at the edge of Seward. It's a crazy-steep climb, and even though he took the more mild approach, his quads were still screaming as he neared the top. Between the incline and the gale force winds at the top, he was exhausted and happy by the time I picked him up.

We were all pretty wiped out that afternoon and decided to take it easy, lounging, napping & playing games. We headed into town for our farewell dinner and finally snagged a table at Ray's where we got some of the best seating in the house. The food was as spectacular as the view. While we finished our drinks at the end of the meal, the boys ran out on the peer and saw a Stellar Sea Lion swimming in the harbor. Later we headed back to the cabin for one last fire and to finish off the last of our ice cream before we had to pack up and leave in the morning.

It was the perfect ending to our stay in Seward.Read more