Reluctantly, we said farewell to Homer on Tuesday morning and
headed to Williwaw Campground in the Portage Valley. This place is a boondocker's delight! Whoever designed this campground clearly knew
what makes RVers happy. Its sites are so
humongous in size, we could have fit two of our setups in our pull thru!
The sites are wooded on all sides providing
plenty of privacy, yet offer clear access to the sun to charge solar
panels. Each site has a big picnic table and fire pit, and the campground has terrific
views of Middle Glacier to boot.
Scenery from Williwaw Campground |
View of Middle Glacier from Williwaw Campground |
I’m awarding Williwaw Campground a coveted Rambling RV Rat 5-cheese rating!
We experienced some of the best weather of our entire trip
here in the Portage Valley, with three days in a row of warm temperatures (high
70s to low 80s) and sunny skies!
We immediately hit the Williwaw Hiking Trail that originates
right from the campground, stopping first at the Salmon Viewing Area. I was disappointed that there were no specimens
to be seen here yet. The salmon are not
due to arrive for about another week.
Timing is everything, isn’t it. We did get to see some really cool waterfalls, though!
We toured Whittier yesterday. It is a unique place to visit, but I wouldn’t
want to be one of the 217 (as of 2014 census) people who live there—especially
since almost all of the residents live in one 14-story concrete building called Begich Towers, which is a former Army barracks from 1956. I imagine it is quite hard to avoid a nosy
neighbor there, not to mention the pool for dating prospects must be slim
pickins! Begich Towers also houses the post office, bank, and city hall! I guess the mayor must live in the blue painted penthouse.
Whittier's harbor |
Begich Towers, truly a multi-use building. At least it comes with a great view of a waterfall! |
Speaking of tunnels, Whittier also has a pedestrian tunnel that leads from the docks to "downtown"--yep, they refer to the Begich Building as "downtown."
Warning: It's cold in the pedestrian tunnel! |
We visited Whittier’s very few shops and its museum. We were particularly intrigued by the exhibit on the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake (the largest earthquake in recorded history) and its resulting tsunami.
We enjoyed a picnic lunch at Lu
Young Park before embarking on a historical walking tour.
View from Lu Young Park |
On the way back to the campground, we viewed several area glaciers, including Portage and Burns.
Burns Glacier |
Portage Glacier |
We also stopped at the Chugach National Forest Visitor Center to see the film and view the exhibits. We got a quick lesson in edible versus poisonous berries while there, too. And, Dad and I were very excited to see our old friend Smokey the Bear!
We are three good looking dudes! |
My family wanted to get a little more hiking
in, so we walked the 1.5 miles back to the campground.
While Claudia/Mike went to Girdwood today, we decided to take
a hike along the Blue Ice Trail. By doing so, we were able to “multi-task”—we
clocked almost 10 miles while enjoying some beautiful scenery, Dad cast his
fishing pole at Alder Pond, and Mom and I picked berries along the way.
Cool moss hanging on forest trees |
Fishing at Alder Pond |
Explorer Glacier |
Can’t believe we have just a two more weeks left for touring
Alaska—time really does fly when you are having fun!
Will speak to you again real soon from Valdez!
Looks like you guys are having spectacular weather. When we stayed there there was a women walking around the campground with a parrot on her shoulder.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels!
We will be heading back to Whittier with Tracy & Lee and will definitely have to check out the walking tunnel! Missed that the first time! God you had a great time there!
ReplyDeleteWe loved Williwaw, too. Must have just missed each other there. I agree with your assessment of Whittier. I found it rather depressing the day we visited, but the dreary wet day didn't help either. Nice post!
ReplyDelete