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6/18/02 PM Seward
Today we are in Seward, AK.
The security is tight at this port. The Coast Guard ship was patrolling
the port today. Everyone coming onto the large dock has to have a reason
to be there, and pass a security check point.
Today we took a tour to Portage Glacier. We took a bus to the Portage
Glacier area, then a boat to see the terminus of the glacier. There were
only a few small pieces of ice falling from the glacier.
In 1963 when I was working in Anchorage, I went to the Portage Glacier
area. The terminus of Portage Glacier was in the lake, and was clearly
visible from the parking lot. All but one glacier in Alaska has been
retreating for at least 150 years. Portage Glacier has retreated so far
that the terminus in now around the backside of the mountain. Thus the
need to take a boat to see the terminus. When taking the (new) road to the
boat dock, we passed Bryon Glacier. In 1963 I climbed up Bryon Glacier. It
was very exciting to climb on a glacier. Today Bryon Glacier has retreated
so far that the glacier has separated into two parts. The upper part is
small. The lower part is very small, and is at the bottom of the valley
instead of filling the valley. What a shame to see (my) glacier only a
wisp of its former self.
During the earthquake on Good Friday, 1964, a 50-foot high tidal wave
destroyed much of Seward. The bay area and surrounding buildings have been
rebuilt.
Tomorrow we will be in Valdez. Valdez was completely destroyed in the
earthquake. The town was rebuilt four miles from the prior site.
Our weather today was sunny and cool. The Alaskan natives are amazed at
the string of sunny days because it often rains here (in the Alaskan
panhandle). Please view the pictures by using the button
links at the top of the page.
Continued on the next page. |
