Cold work setting the net

We finally got underway at 11.30, 45 minutes late, by which time we were all snuggly bedded down in our cabins. These ferries are a great way to travel. So easy and relaxing.

MV Kennicott, our ferry to and from Kodiak.

We woke to a very wet and cloudy morning, the fog horn being regularly used in the tighter passages. It stayed wet and foggy all day which was a disappointment as we were sailing through Prince William Sound, known for spectacular views of numerous glaciers. We managed one glimpse through the fog.

You get the idea.

On the first part of this voyage the Kennicott had only 18 passengers. We felt quite privileged. However we made a brief stop at Chinook Bay and picked up 20 more and lost another hour.

Chinook Bay, what we could see of it.

We eventually arrived at Whittier 2 hours late and we still had an hours drive to our accommodation at Hope. So we skipped Whittier and lined up at the Whittier tunnel. This tunnel is unique in that it is 1 lane and carries both vehicles and trains in both directions. Apparently the government saved millions.

We lined up with everyone else off the boat at 7.30 for the 8pm release. Vehicle releases each way are every half hour but only between 6.30 am and 10pm. If a train comes everything stops to give way to the train. Great system!!!

While we waited we noticed another glacier hiding behind a truck and a cloud but I won’t waste precious band width to show you a lumpy cloud.

Just one car width. There is also a sign at the entrance warning of rock falls in the 2.5 mile long tunnel just to make things interesting. Speed limit is 25 mph.

When we emerged from the other side the jaws dropped as we came upon a lake surrounded by glaciers.

The one thing I neglected was to get into Whittier to fill up the petrol as it was under a quarter. One thing I have learned in Alaska is not to depend on a petrol station when you need it because they are very often many miles apart.

Anyway I had enough to get to Hope and expected to fill up there. Collette did some research to find that Hope was a good word for anyone wanting to buy anything in Hope, specially petrol. So then the hunt was on.

We determined that our best bet was Cooper Landing, about 40 km out of the way. A phone call ensured they would be open till 10pm and they were 25 km away. It was 9.15 and the computer gave up estimating the km left in the tank. I was on fumes.

We discussed who was best to hitch hike for gas and Nicky drew short straw as the most likely to get a ride. I drove very gently and eventually coasted into the gas station. I put 75 litres in a 70 litre tank.

What a wonderful sight.

It was 10.30 by the time we finally got to Hope to meet our host, Brendon, who was sharing his house. It was wonderfully comfortable and we slept well for a big road day tomorrow.