sparker1
11th of June 2005 (Sat), 18:41
Whittier is a quirky little town situated on beautiful Prince William Sound. The US Army built a base there at the start of WW II, in oder to have an ice-free port to support the defense of Alaska. (There was much fear of a Japanese invasion of Alaska.) Since the location could only be reached by water, the Army dug a tunnel through the mountains and built a train track. Many years later, '60s or '70s I think, the Army abandoned the place and many civilians took up residence in the barracks and other buildings. Today, Whittier is a port for cruise ships whose passengers transfer to a train or bus to visit interior Alaska. When the train isn't using the tunnel, automobiles can use it on alternating half-hours. Auto toll is $12, motorhome or tour bus $35. It's a really unique experience to visit Whittier.