There and Back Again: A Cheechako's Tale Part I

Hello Outsiders!
Well, as most of you know, I went up to Alaska for the first time for a little recon. It was amazing to say the least! I thoroughly enjoyed my time up there, and I have much to say about the experience.
I packed my bags last night pre-flight, zero hour two p.m...
After the six hour flight, I found myself in a land of sea and mountains, Anchorage. The air was surprisingly cool and sweet-smelling. The sun was still out (it would not go away until the flight home) and my parents and I were ready to stretch our legs. We walked along Lake Hood which happened to be the largest float plane sea base in the world.
We would not spend too much time in Anchorage, however. The next morning, we took a shuttle along the Seward Highway up to the port-city of Whittier. I must say that our driver was awesome and a great tour guide. He looked, talked, almost was Frank Lapidus.
The drive was fantastic, and soon we found ourselves in the longest combined vehicle-railroad tunnel in North America. Its one way! Whittier wasn't the most exciting town ever. 85% of its 180 residents live in a condominium that once housed US troops. This was not why we were in Whittier, though. We wanted to get on our turbo charged catamaran! The Klondike Express to be precise. Let me tell you, this boat hauls!
In no time we were cruising at 42 knots (50 mph) over the sparkling blue water. We went across wide open waters and into intimate channels lined with forest and mountains. Once we got into Prince William Sound, it was on! Glaciers everywhere! Not to mention rafts of sea otters. There were also some Harbor Seals and pups flopped up on icebergs. The air was quite chilly, and a good coat would be advised for those who do not do well in the cold. The finale was getting within a couple hundred yards of Surprise Glacier and watching it calve (chunks breaking off). They hauled an iceberg onto the deck, broke it up, and used the ice to make margaritas. I had to have one! It was tasty and a unique experience. We got back late, ate at Gwennies Old Alaska Restaurant, and went to bed.
Part II: Heading to Fairbanks