Polar Notes: WT Day 4

Hello Whittier, where the weather was improving by the second. My gamble in changing the dates paid off. We arrived early for our Prince William Sound cruise to give Whittier a look around. Had to make the 10:30 tunnel so left the house at 9 am...giving us an hour and a half to take in the sights.

Whittier is only accessible by the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel if driving, and the Alaska Marine Highway (Ferry) by boat. The tunnel is shared with the Alaska Railroad, thus just big enough for a train. My hands get a bit clammy toward the end each way as it is kinda creepy ... dark, damp and you feel as if there is no room for error...even if you are only going 25 mph. I am sure there are some people who could not drive thru it ... much like bridges. I took a quick iPhone pic of the entrance above.

Whittier and Portage are known for winds, they have been clocked at 200 mph. Yes, you have read that right. Today...no wind :)

Perfect for a Major Marine cruise! All aboard!

I have done many cruises from both Whittier and Seward. Although I would like to try all of them, Whittier is what I usually choose for guests and usually the shorter one (Blackstone Glacier Cruise). First, because Prince William Sound from Whittier is less choppy ... less chance for sea sickness. Two, I think you see more wildlife here. Seems the tours are longer to see wildlife from Seward and definitely more choppy (as there is less protection than in Whittier). You do get to see Sea lions and Puffins on the Seward cruises though. Since this was Andrea's and Ryan's first trip...this would do. A great meal of Salmon and Prime Rib is served on the Major Marine Tour. I have been on others where you get frozen Salmon patties :) Did I mention it was great weather???? That DOES NOT MEAN warm. Notice Andrea in the above pic...then notice her in the pics further down.

Glacier ahead!

I am not sure which is which...Blackstone or Berloit.

Cue the seals!
And Andrea's jacket and hat.

You eat on the ride to the glacier, so you are done and ready for the glacier and seal viewing. After an hour or more at the glaciers...we head back toward Whittier.

and spot a few Sea Otters...

All cruises give you a history of the sound and all the things you spot, however, Major Marine does have a Forest Ranger on board...some better than others :)

Oh..cue the whale.

I was on the other side of the boat (story of my life) when the whale dove and showed his tail. I figured he/she was going the way he/she was pointing, so I ran to the other side when I first saw him/her...not so..he/she dove.