Mount Marathon

So today, Joshua and I woke up and thought, "let's go climb a mountain". And because mountains are Seward's playground, that's exactly what we did.

 

Mt. Marathon is a popular mountain here in Seward, especially during the 4th of July. They have a HUGE Mt. Marathon race that tons and tons of people participate in. I actually think the record is 45 minutes. That is 45 minutes of climbing UP the mountain and then back DOWN. That's insane, especially after the hike we did today!

 

Mt. Marathon is part of the Kenai Mountain Range and has an elevation of 4,124 ft. It has many different trails that stop at various elevations depending on the route you want to go.

Joshua and I were on a trail that allowed us to hike 3,000 feet up. The whole trail was amazing. Every few feet or so, we would turn around and see a different view of Seward or the mountains across the bay that was just astounding. Hence why I took so many pictures.

 

 

Notice how Joshua is going back down. Funny story actually. We set out apparently too excited to start hiking that we didn't actually get on the right path nor look at the map correctly. Notice how all the above photos are of rocks and streams, only. Although this scenery was beautiful, after a few 60 minutes, we finally decided to head back to look at the map.

 

The white trails are where we were supposed to head up the mountain. We were where my finger is pointing. Just a little off.

So we actually went to another entrance of the mountain near 1st Avenue because we thought it might be a little easier, and not as confusing. We were right.

Hiking Mount Marathon

 

 

^^ We climbed to the top of this - the view was in sight! ^^

^^ Life is good! ^^

 

Almost there! We made it to this little valley before climbing up top.

 

 

Bear Cave

 

And we made it!

 

What a rush! The view was incredible!

 

    "Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above.    Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away."

                                                                     - Psalm 148:1, 5-6               

 

 

And what do you do when you find some bear scat??

 

You glass for bears!

 

 

Definition of glass: (especially in hunting) scan (one's surroundings) with binoculars.

 

One of the best things about this hike, or Alaska in general, are all the flowers. They are the prettiest flowers. This hike allowed us to really see God's artwork, even at 3,000 feet up!

 

And only in Alaska can you still find snow in June!

 

 

Such a great Monday in Seward, Alaska!