Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers
(and Professional Travelers)
 |
Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers
(and Professional Travelers)
| |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
Driving from Palmer, Alaska to Whittier, Alaska |
|
Plus the city of Whittier, the Whittier Tunnel,
a tram ride, and Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise |
|
Situated at the head of the Passage Canal on the western edge of Prince William Sound, the community of Whittier is approximately 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. Leaving Palmer, the two RV Gypsies had to drive through Anchorage again, then on into Whittier. |
H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark
- 1520 O'Malley Road, Anchorage |
|
 |
|
| Beluga Point scenic viewpoint and photo spot with a commanding view of Turnagain Arm. Often a good place to see beluga whales - the only all-white whale plus mountain goats on the mountain across the street. No whales were seen by the two RV Gypsies today, but there were mountain goats on the mountain - however a telescope or binoculars were needed to see them. | |
 |
 |
| Turnagain Arm is known for having one of the world's remarkably high tides, with a diurnal range of more than 33 feet. | |
 |
 |
 |
 |
There are actually mountain
goats on the mountain in the photo below - but all you can see is a few white specks unless you have a telescope or binoculars. |
|
 |
 |
| Whittier - originally a part
of the portage route for the Chugach Indians of Prince William Sound traveling
to fish the Turnagain Arm. Later the Russians and Americans exploring the
region also used this passage. It was used by prospecting miners during
the gold rush as it was the quickest passage from the Sound to the Cook
Inlet and Interior regions. The city itself is a historical area, established
by the U.S. Army during World War II. The Federal railroad to Portage was
completed in 1943 and became the primary debarkation point for cargo, troops,
and dependents of the Alaska Command.
In 1948 the military began construction of the first of two buildings for their military personnel as the Port of Whittier was then recognized as an ice-free, deepwater port strategically located to Anchorage and Interior Alaska. This remained active until 1960 at which time the total population was 1,200. The City of Whittier was incorporated in 1969. Today, less than 300 people reside in the town supporting the Alaska State Ferry, the Alaska Railroad, freight barge, commercial fishing, the Small Boat Harbor, recreation and tourism with an annual visiting population of over 700,000. |
|
| Whittier Tunnel - After a rock slide closed the Whittier tunnel to road traffic on April 13, 2009, highway crews cleared the rock from the road and also followed through with some additional blasting to eliminate some additional areas of concern from the roadway. During the closure, traffic in and out of Whittier was limited to trains operated by the Alaska Railroad. This tunnel is the longest combined vehicle-railroad tunnel in North America - 2.5 miles. It is the first U.S. tunnel with jet turbine and portal fan ventilation, the first computerized regulation of both rail and highway traffic and the first tunnel designed for -40° F. and 150 mph winds. Once a year it is closed for "the Walk to Whittier." This year it was Sunday, June 14 - just before the two RV Gypsies arrived. | |
 |
 |
| Vehicles are lined up in 10 rows, sorted by cars, RV's, trucks and busses. Each row has a traffic light, plus there is another traffic light that spaces the cars before they enter the tunnel. Vehicles are let in on the half hour, and let out of Whittier on the hour. If you snooze your loose. Trains always gets priority. | |
 |
 |
|
A train ready to
cross the bridge, then enter the same tunnel the cars just came through |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
below - a "happy" vehicle - whatever that is |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
An interesting fact: Portal
buildings are designed to withstand avalanches. |
|
 |
 |
| Whittier is a boater’s paradise as there are unlimited opportunities to explore the many glaciers, islands, bays and fjords of western Prince William Sound so close to it's unique seaside location. Marine wildlife viewing is popular as sea otters, sea lions, humpback, sperm, gray and orca whales can be seen in the area. Eagles, brown bear, black bear and blacktail deer can be spotted long the shores of the islands. Daily glacier and wildlife cruises depart from Whittier daily. | |
|
 |
boats park in the middle
of the main road. |
|
 |
 |
