Susan and Matt--the big adventure: Whittier, Alaska

July 12, 2013

Up bright and early—okay, really, it was “bright” at 5:00 a.m. (maybe earlier, but I have no intention of finding out for sure), but we rolled out at 7:15. Met Mom, Dad, Johnny, and Judy at the “pre-established corner” and took off for Whittier to meet Katie, Anna, Olivia, and Morgan for the “last harrah”.

Whittier is an amazing little town--my cousin worked at the cannery there after high school. As a "family note”, she lived in the silver van we have all travelled/lived-in with my Uncle Bill in route-to or while traveling-in, Alaska. (Let me tell you, that van could share many tales!!!!)

ANYWAY, Whittier is on the other side of a long one-lane tunnel. On the half-hour, it goes into Whittier; on the hour, it leaves Whittier; and, I am not sure when, but the train also uses the tunnel. (I know this because I had one heck of a time deciding how to “straddle” the tracks on the way to and from this unique little town!) Most of the people live in a high-raise apartment building. There is an under ground tunnel that connects the school to the apt. building…I think there may also be businesses connected. The snow gets deep during the winter.

Good time with the folks and cousins—wandered the 4 shops and restaurants. Had some great coffee while looking out to sea. The harbor was fun too! Cousins took off—Anna had to work. Parents took off—ferry to Valdez. Matt and I got to the tunnel just in time to drive back to the other side. We took a wonderful hike along one of the salmon river/streams—“The Blue Ice Trail”. (Katie just got my bear spray in the mail yesterday—sooooooo, we are finally “ready” to hike many of the more isolated trails!) No bear, but the colors (yes, again) were amazing, and the flowers were beautiful!

Funny…let me share some of the “rules” for when you are attacked by a bear---

A. If it is a black bear (I am certain they have labels)—“fight back”!

B. If it is a grizzly bear (Seriously, don’t they all look alike when they charge/attack?)

--"play dead"

HOWEVER, if the grizzly starts to eat you—“fight back”! (See rule “A”)

Given all of this very helpful information, I intend to pee my pants and scream! (While encouraging Matthew to sneak away. Hopefully, my “get the HELL out of here” look will propel him to safety.) Although I would love to see a bear (so would Matt), I think everyone who reads this should send out positives that we don’t!

Tonight, we are staying at a beautiful campground/resort—The Seward Military Resort. The sites are well maintained. There are FREE showers (the cheapest I have found--$2.00 for 6 minutes). AND the campground has inexpensive laundry facilities…I actually miss my washer and dryer. (“Miss” meaning—“salivate at the thought of”.) Seward is looking even better as the plant-our-butts-and-volunteer city/town.

Tomorrow—Dog-sledding!

Matt is maintaining his martial arts skills--he just chopped this rock in half! (Note that he is STILL wearing the orange vest...I am NOT going to talk with you EVER again, Tracy!)