Trip to Whittier, Alaska

As luck would have it, we were able to spend our 45th wedding anniversary in Prince William Sound, aboard my brother, Bob's, boat. Bob bought the boat in the 1970's when was fishing for a living. He's retired from fishing and now lives on the boat during the summer and in Arizona in the winter. We were hoping to spend several days with him on the boat and get loads of fish.

A view on the way to Whittier

We stopped to take photos of a glacier. Izzie loves glaciers!

The Whittier Tunnel has a long history. For many years, the only access to the small town of Whittier was by boat or train. The train tunnel was built through a mountain leading from the base of the Kenai Peninsula to Whittier. When Bob first used the train, cars were loaded onto flatbed cars and taken through the 2 1/2 mile tunnel totally in the dark. Now, vehicle ownders can drive through only one way at a time because the tunnel is only the width of a train. It has lights all the way through and a "safe house" every 1600 feet in case of fire. Cars are supposed to remain 100 feet apart as they go through the tunnel. In case of emergency, they are to contact emergency responders using phones that are spaced along the inside of the tunnel. Emergency personnel are always at both ends of the tunnel. After that, they are instructed to go to the nearest safe house, which is ventilated, until the fire is extinguished. The drive through the tunnel is a unique experience.

Cars go one direction for a half hour, then the reverse direction. Here, Bob is waiting for the 10:30 opening on the way to Whittier.

Inside the tunnel as we drive through.

The Pat-De-J

Getting lunch ready!

Captain Bob on the bridge as we get underway.

Alyce and Izzie enjoy the sun as we drive toward our destination, Hidden Bay.

The guys on the bridge

Tony, kicking back!

On our way, we saw a really cute sea otter trying to open a sea shell. Unfortunately, we didn't get any photos!

John caught a beautiful salmon, that became our anniversary dinner!

Bob!

Carefully guiding us into "Hidden Bay"

Once we were anchored, the dogs needed to go ashore. There are lots of bears, so Tony and John were told to make lots of noise and stay close to shore.

Off they went!

They returned safely. The next morning we did see a bear on shore but he disappeared behind the trees before we could take a picture.