The "Morning Mountain" report from June 18 5:05 AM

Better late than never - 

Sunrise Valdez         4:04 AM     Wilmington  5:59 AM
Sunset  Girdwood  11:35 PM      Wilmington  8:25 PM

Up early for the 7 AM ferry to Whittier - told be be there one hour before.

We got to the ferry at 6:05 and were almost last in line. 

All aboard - a bit of a funny illusion driving onto the ferry.

It too about almost an hour to board because of weights and balance.

On board -

We're the little green boat in the middle - 

The captain was great about pointing out places - the epicenter of the 1964 earthquake, where the Valdez spill occurred, etc - and also birds, seal lions, and many shy whales.

We arrived in Whittier at 12:45 - lots of people taking advantage of the unusually warm weather.

 We were there two years ago so we knew where to get really good chowder.

Whittier is a cute, little town - definitely aimed at tourists. 

After lunch it's off to Girdwood via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.

 From Google - 

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (often referred to simply as the Whittier Tunnel) is a multi-use highway and railroad tunnel that passes under Maynard Mountain. At 13,300 ft (4,100 m), it is the second longest highway tunnel and longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America.

The tunnel is designed with a single highway lane. The floor of the tunnel is constructed of 1800 7.5 feet (2.3 m) by 8 feet (2.4 m) texturized concrete panels, with the railroad tracks sunken slightly below the road surface. The interior is exposed rock, and contains several "safe-houses", which are small buildings that are used in case of severe earthquakes, vehicle fires, or other emergencies. The tunnel also contains several turnaround spots, which are reserved for disabled vehicles. The tunnel uses a combination of portal fans and reversible jet engines to ensure proper air flow and air quality throughout the tunnel. There are two backup generators to insure that the computerized traffic controls and ventilation systems in the tunnel continue to function in the event of a power failure. Due to the fact that eastbound traffic, westbound traffic, and the Alaska Railroad must share the tunnel, rail and road traffic are coordinated by two sophisticated computer-based systems: the Tunnel Control System and the Train Signal System. These systems control the timing of vehicles entering the tunnel, spacing each one out for safety, and lower railroad gates when a train is approaching. The tunnel's entrance portals are designed in an A-shape, with a large, train-sized "garage door", which allows traffic in and out of the tunnel. The entrance portals are designed to withstand the force of an avalanche. The tunnel's eastern terminus is in WhittierThe staging areas on either side of the tunnel can accommodate as many as 450 vehicles waiting to pass through.

The proverbial "Light at the end of the tunnel".

On our way to our hotel, we saw people kite surfing. I've tried to find the temperature of the water - the best I can do is water about 30 miles away - that is 42°. Anyway, it's cold.

Here's a video -

I have so many photos from today and tomorrow - more to follow .....