Day 21 - August 12, 2013

Day twenty one.  All is well.  Whittier, Alaska.

When I awoke in Anchorage this morning it was still raining, a light steady rain.  I had breakfast, packed my bags, and loaded the bike in the rain.  I always hate to leave on the bike ride in the rain.  However, one of my hard scheduled event was ahead of me 60 miles to the southeast.  

The rain gave way to overcast skies after 40 of those 60 miles, and by the time I arrived in Whittier there was no rain.  Rain was forecast, so this was a pleasant surprise.

The ride along Alaska Highway One, and the Portage Glacier Highway, from Anchorage to Whittier, was very picturesque.  The photos included could not capture how pretty it was/is.  

One of the most interesting aspects of the ride today was the Whittier Tunnel, which extends 2.6 miles (13,300 feet) through Maynard Mountain, ending on the south side at Whittier. This is a joint use tunnel, shared by highway traffic and the Alaska Railroad.  It is wide enough for one vehicle, so passage is alternated, north and south, on the half hour, and trains, when running have priority, with the vehicular traffic schedule adjusted.  Motorcyclist are cautioned, and given a special instructional presentation because of the potential hazards of riding between the rails.  The surface is wet, and I can imagine what would happen if a motorcycle tire came in contact with one of the wet rails on either side.  

The Whittier Tunnel was opened for joint use, highway and train use, in the summer of 2000.  Prior to that it was a railroad tunnel that traces its construction to a US Army project of 1942.  The only road access to Whittier is through this tunnel.

Upon exiting the south side of the tunnel I was in Whittier, which is a deep-water port-town.  As seen in the last photo included there were many boats in the protected harbor, and outside of the harbor area the Island Princess, a large cruise ship was at dock.

Whittier dockside affords the standard fare of Alaska gift shops and several options for dining, all catering to the tourist that pass through the area.  Outside of the tourist industry I did not see anything other businesses. I am including the boating community in the tourist category.  It looks like a lot of the boats moored here are permanently based here.  According to the last census information (2006) Whittier was called home by 177 people. Elevation is 47 feet, but there are some tall mountains surrounding it, many with snow that appears to be present year round. 

I was able to post this because I arrived in Whittier ahead of my late evening departure, and I had internet access through one of my devices.  I do not expect this availability once the ship is underway.

But, the rain has stopped.  I had a good lunch, and all is well.  This is a beautiful place.

Another good day.