Ferry – Ulen Adventures

10 July 2018. Ferry to Whittier AK

We got up at 5 am to be at the Ferry MV Aurora to take us from Valdez to Whittier AK. Once again, it was raining. This ferry was full to the brim – they had to work jig saw puzzles again. We had doubts they were going to make the schedule, but they did, and we were off through Prince William Sound (you probably remember that body of water from the Exxon Valdez disaster a few years back)

Here we are driving into the rainy, slippery ferry. Just a little unnerving to have the far doors wide open as you slide down the ramp to load.

We saw many of the same ships we saw last night, but now they were out fishing! It was cool to recognize them!

You can see the salmon getting pulled into the fishing boat!

There were lots and lots of waterfalls along the Prince William Sound.

We were told that Whittier became a Military refueling point during World War II, because it was located in a Fjord that had constant cloud cover. So the enemy could not find the fuel depot! The weather has not changed any since then. We decided to head out through the famous 2.5 mile tunnel between Whittier and Portage (there isn’t any choice of how to drive out). This tunnel is very unique. It was originally built as a railroad tunnel, and still operates as a railroad tunnel. They have added concrete between the tracks so that cars can drive on it – but it is only wide enough for one car. So, Northbound traffic can go through for 15 minutes on the hour. Southbound gets their chance for 15 minutes on the half hour. Don’t know for sure how they schedule the trains in- but they do!

The train/car tunnel from Whittier to Portage AK

We stopped at the famous Portage Glacier – neat visitor center! – but couldn’t see much of the multitude of glaciers in the area. We picked a nearby campground and settled in for the night.

We camped at the USFS campground, Williwaw. I wish the cloud cover would have lifted just a bit, but there were beautiful mountains and glaciers surrounding us.

Here’s a close up of the Middle Glacier which was directly above our campsite.

Took a little walk along the Williwaw nature trail. Very green from all the rain!

29 June 2018. Ferry to Haines.

Friday was an early morning. The alarm was set for 4am, which in Alaska, is still pretty much daylight. We packed up camp and drove to the Ferry terminal. Today would be traveling from Juneau AK to Haines AK, about a four and a half hour trip. Why they need you there two hours before departure, I don’t understand. While there are some car puzzle logistics involved, it doesn’t take two hours….. This was our first Ferry where we loaded backwards. We drove forwards onto the Ferry, they directed us to turn around while we were on the car deck, and then backed us into place. At least being a truck/camper, it meant we got to load first.

Our wet camper on the Ferry – had to park it backwards!

View from the MV LeConte – weather did not cooperate

The Ferry trip was wet and uneventful. The rain kept us inside where most of the people were catching up on sleep lost to the early departure.

Once in Haines we drove straight to the campground, with only a quick side trip to the quarter car wash….. Once we got a campsite reserved, we drove into town, grabbed a quick lunch, and hit the grocery store. Supplies were getting thin, and this was time to restock. Back at the campground we started up laundry and began cleaning the truck and camper. The rain had stopped and it gave us a chance to get things completely dry from Juneau.