President Obama in Alaska

President Barack Obama looks at Bear Glacier, which has receded 1.8 miles in approximately 100 years, while on a boat tour to see the effects of global warming in Resurrection Cove, Alaska.

(Andrew Harnik / Associated Press)

Sept. 2, 2015 9:51 AM PT

For a state used to the briefest of presidential stopovers, President Obama’s extended visit to Alaska this week has been an opportunity to savor.

President Barack Obama stops at Thumb Cove to look at three glaciers while taking a boat tour to see the effects of global warming in Seward, Alaska.

(Andrew Harnik / Associated Press)

President Barack Obama, accompanied by National Security Advisor Susan Rice, stops to look at sea lions at Fox Island while taking a boat tour to see the effects of global warming in Seward, Alaska.

(Andrew Harnik / Associated Press)

President Barack Obama speaks to reporters before taking a boat tour at the Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska.

(Andrew Harnik / Associated Press)

President Barack Obama pauses to admire the view while hiking near the Exit Glacier in Seward, Alaska.

(MANDEL NGAN / AFP/Getty Images)

President Barack Obama greets a baby through a window in downtown Seward, Alaska, after taking a hike to view the Exit Glacier.

(Andrew Harnik / Associated Press)

President Barack Obama greets patrons in the Snow City Cafe in Anchorage, Alaska. Obama is heading to Seward, Alaska to visit the Exit Glacier and tour Kenai Fjords National Park.

(MANDEL NGAN / AFP/Getty Images)