Yes, I am from New Orleans, Louisiana where I was born, raised and lived my entire life until my Alaskan Journey began in 2006. My family has resided in the New Orleans since 1865 and very few have ventured more than a state away.

I raised my three children there and have two grown daughters in Louisiana, and a son who ventured to Alaska on his own and attends Alaska Pacific University. To see his YouTube video on the beauty of the Seward area, click here.

My journey may not be quite as adventurous as the movie “Into the Wild”, but for me it has been no less a life changing one. It began four days after Hurricane Katrina hit which crushed my home under six huge trees. I knew my son and I needed a place to live, so I called and found a trailer. By the time Hurricane Rita hit I was driving back from Texas with a 38’ trailer.

I finished teaching the school year, but could see that my beloved New Orleans was going to take years to recover, and though it will come back, my history there is gone. My homes, schools, and churches were all gone. My family was scattered and everyone was gone!

I had visited Seward with my son two summers before Katrina, working on the Alaska Railroad as a server. It was a dream place that I visited, but never dreamed I could move here!

Katrina changed all of our thinking. I hitched up my trailer and I set out alone on my 5000-mile pilgrimage. No one could believe I left, and all were sure I would be right back. Well the journey and Alaska was a life changing experience.

I love summer with its endless sun, warmth on your skin and the cool air off the glaciers and bay. Summer brings an abundance of wildlife, endless possibilities of things to do and joyful, excited visitors who come to marvel at God’s own playground - Seward, Alaska.

I have no regrets. I miss people and the church with a jazz band, but I love my new home and I have chosen family here. Yvon & Janet vanDriessche have taken me as their family sharing their lives with me. I love New Orleans, but Seward is now my home.

Seward Trolley
If you are looking for a quaint experience, you can buy a day pass & ride the Seward Trolley serving the Cruise ship terminal, the boat harbor, the Sea Life Center, all of old town Seward shops and restaurants. The Seward Trolley stops at Resurrect Art Coffee House where you can embark.

Major Marine Tours
I prefer this company for the glacier tour, although all are good. I enjoyed their food more and the informative narrations by the guides. You can take tours that are a few hour or all day excursions. The longer trip is the best buy and you will see amazing animals, birds, whales and glaciers.

Le Barn Appetit
Enjoy my Alaskan family, Yvon & Janet vanDriessche, at their Creperia on the way to Exit Glacier. He is a Belgian chef who makes the biggest and most mouthwatering crepes you have ever tasted. Also, Yvon’s stories and adventures are truly a do not miss attraction!

National Park Service - Exit Glacier
Visit Exit Glacier, part of Kenai Fjords National Park. This walk up glacier is the closest you can get to the big ice! Hike the trail that leads to the Harding Icefield. Learn more at the Vistor's Center in the Small Boat Harbor.

Seward Chamber of Commerce
The offical site of the Seward Conference and Vistors Bureau.

U.S. Forest Service - Seward Ranger Distric
Welcome to the Seward Ranger District on the Chugach National Forest. Recreation awaits!

Aurora Charters
Aurora Charters is a locally owned and operated family company. Their years of experience, fast, comfortable boats, and diverse services enable them to give you the fishing or sightseeing experience that you've been dreaming about.

Kayak Adventures Worldwide
This tour company offers kayak tours in Resurrection Bay, Kayaker's Cove, Bear Glacier & Kenai Fjords. Trips are guided by trained naturalists. No experience necessary! Family trips are available. They are a "Leave No Trace" outfitter.