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Alaska RR Whistle Stop Train Page 4

Alaska Railroad Whistle Stop

Southcentral Alaska
June 27, 2008

Story and photographs copyright 2008 by Richard Elgenson
RailNews Network writer

The viewing platform features two more information boards.  The first one explains how Spencer Glacier was named in 1909 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
   
The second board explains the tracks of a glacier, therefore, how glaciers retreat and advance.
   
The four photographs below illustrate a panoramic view of Spencer Glacier from the viewing platform.
   

   
The float trip was staged from the edge of the lake.  This is the only time I have ever seen a motorboat on Spencer Lake.
   
Finally, the float boats and canoes shoved off on their trip across the lake and down the river.
   
We'll get back to the canoers and floaters later.
   
Farrah told me that there were bear tracks near the edge of the lake.  Since it had been raining for the preceeding several days, she was not sure the tracks would be visible.  In the photographs, the tracks are still there under the water.  The bear was walking from right to left.  The other shot shows a single bear paw print.  The Whistle Stop walking tour is supposed to take visitors around the lake near the glacier.  Due to copious amounts of rain, Farrah decided to avoid that part of the trail.
   
We then retreated to the trail intersection and on to the campsite.
   
Above left is the entrance to the campsite with picnic tables and two bearproof food storage lockers.  The right photograph shows the sign to the tent area.
   
How about a campsite with a vew of Spencer Glacier?  Above photographs show the actual tent site and turning to the right, you have your glacier view.

Whistle Stop Page 5