Almost to Whittier. This tiny, remote Alaskan outpost is 65 miles southeast of Anchorage and was established as a secret strategic military facility during World War II.

We had to time the trip to be there when the 2.5 mile long tunnel opened for traffic to Whittier. Had a short wait. It changes direction every 30 minutes - unless a train needs to use it.

Cars lining up awaiting the opening of the tunnel.

Leaving the dock at Whittier aboard the Spirit of Columbia.

The most wonderful part of the trip was seeing this pristine wilderness with almost no sign of human habitation.

We left Whittier around 5:00 PM heading for Blackstone Bay, continuing down Passage Canal, lined with hanging and valley glaciers.

The steep, jagged Chugach Mountains crown this coastline. This is one of the larger ice fields in the world.

Many waterfalls cascade from underneath the glaciers that hang high above.

Ray... looking for an eagle

What a beautiful sight!

Jagged Mountain Peaks