Cruise Day!

We left early this morning simply because it takes a long time to get anywhere in Alaska! Everything is so far apart. Also, we had a particular time that we had to make the Whittier Tunnel. The only highway in and out of Whittier is through a tunnel - a tunnel that is only one lane and accommodates both automobile traffic and trains! So the tunnel is open for autos going in at scheduled times and if you miss it, you have to wait for the next time. We had to be at the tunnel and in line by 11:00 a.m. We made it through and boarded a small ship for a day cruise through Prince William Sound. It was VERY cold and windy, but it was sunny, and the views couldn't have been more spectacular! We saw swimming sea otters, several bald eagles, and awesome glaciers! Lunch was served on board, and those wishing to stay inside could stay warm and cozy. Others bundled up and ventured out on the upper decks, especially while we were stopped, just taking in the amazing view of the glaciers. We arrived back to the dock in Whittier about 5:00 p.m. A "little" ship called the Diamond Princess was just down the other end of the dock waiting for all of it's 3000 passengers to arrive. Everyone found their cabins, had dinner, then began exploring the ship. Sail away was about 9:00 p.m. as we headed out into the Gulf of Alaska.

May 17, 2008

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