We drove towards Portage lake and glacier along Hwy 1 on Day #1.
Portage lake and glacier, Tokina 12-24, 3 stop GND
The glacier is on the top of the mountain to the right, the mild bluish ice formation you see is the glacier. The light was very muddy on that day. In general, glaciers absorb all colors except blue, so they appear bluish. I had taken some nice shots of this glacier on day #6, but that was all lost in that lost CF card.
Hills and clouds, Portage, Tokina 12-24, Tiffen Circular Polarizer
Whittier is a small town built during the second world war. This town is separated from Portage by a huge mountain on top of which sits the Shakespeare Glacier.
Shakespeare Glacier, Portage, Nikkor 70-200 AF-S VR
Waterfall created by Shakespeare Glacier, Portage, Nikkor 70-200 AF-S VR
The only access to Whittier by road is to drive through a 2.5 mile long tunnel. This tunnel was used extensively by Alaska RailRoad till 2000.
Railroad to Whittier, Portage, Tokina 12-24
In 2000, they paved the tunnel and let cars go through the tunnel too. It is a one lane road with a $12 toll for a round trip. Trains take precedence over cars and there is a 15 minute window per hour when you can cross the tunnel. If you are planning a cruise from Whittier, check the tunnel schedule.
Driving through the tunnel, Tokina 12-24
Once on the other side of the tunnel, you enter the beautiful town of Whittier, Alaska.
Contrasting mountains, Whittier, Nikkor 70-200 AF-S VR
Mountain and cloud, Whittier, Nikkor 70-200 AF-S VR
Totempole, Whittier, Tokina 12-24, Tiffen circular polarizer
Whittier has a very interesting history as being a town built by the military during 2nd world war. The state of Alaska bought back parts of the town from the military, but certain areas still exist, unused and rotting.
If you want to see glaciers up close, Whittier is the place you want to be and Prince William Sound cruises are the ones you need to take. I will elaborate more on this when I get to day #5 and #6..
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