My original plan was Tuesday for lunch we would all drive 6 miles up the road to the parking lot at the base of the Exit Glacier, and hike the half mile to the glacier face. That was glorious when I did it September 13, but conditions are very much different on May 13.   I am told the parking lot now (May 6) is covered with 64 inches of snow! Today you can drive to the place where I took this magnificent picture. Just beyond this place the road is blocked by a 50 foot high snow berm. If you are sporting (and maybe have skiis or snow shoes) you might hike over it and continue 3 miles towards the Glacier face. You can telephone ahead to the park service to ask about conditions (Park Headquarters (907) 224-7500; Recorded Park Information Line (907) 224-2132)

For the rest of us, there are three other places for fun activities for a 2-3 hour lunch.

1. South of Seward:   Leaving Windsong Lodge drive 2-3 miles past Seward along the coast. You'll find places to park and various commerical activities at Lowell Point. You are invited to walk along the beach, though it is somewhat rocky.
2. Across the bay from Seward:   Leaving Windsong Lodge drive halfway to Seward. Turn left (east) on Nash Road and follow it (first east, then south) to the end. Near the end you'll be on a dirt road. To reach your goal at the very end you will wind around a drydock. The target is where the "4th of July Creek" flows into the bay.
3. Dog sled!   Our neighbors near Windsong Lodge offer 90 minute tours ($58) including trail ride with dogs pulling a small "chariot" for 6-8 people on a gravel trail, and ranch tour to "meet the dogs". They may stop by the Windsong Lodge while we are having breakfast the first morning. If interested, you can meet them then, or visit their web site or phone them at (Seward Toll-free: 800-478-3139 Phone: 907-224-8607 Address: Mile 1.1 Old Exit Glacier Rd. Seward, AK 99664 reservations@ididaride.com> and make reservations in advance.