June 28 - Day Two Heading to Whittier Alaska

We woke up early on Friday morning and got showered to eat the breakfast provided at the hotel. We met with our group which had already been in Alaska for a few days and met more people.

I met a cute boy in the elevator on my way down and we talked about how we were going on a cruise I didn't think too much of this and thought I am sure it is just a common thing to meet other people who are going on a cruise. As it turned out he was in our group and he was a twin and they were both adorable.

We met the entire group that was there and then boarded the bus around 1. We saw the Anchorage temple on our way out of Anchorage and then stopped at Wildlife Conservation Center is located off the Seward Highway at the Portage Glacier turnoff. Here we saw up close moose, brown bears, black bears, bison, elks, bison, elk,  Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles. We were limited on time as we needed to make it to the  3:00 Whittier Tunnel. I did not understand what the fuss was about until we got there on time and started going through the tunnel. This tunnel is only open one way at certain times so if you miss the window for the direction you want to go which is basically into Whittier or out of Whittier you have to wait until the next time. We made our tunnel and I started to get nervous as it was pitch dark and started thinking what if we get stuck and air runs out. The interior is exposed rock, and contains several "safe-houses", which are small buildings that are used in case of severe earthquakes, vehicle fires, or other emergencies. Which of course the driver explained after he made a comment about the oxygen running out and these safe houses. This of course made me get more nervous but clearly we made it. Claustrophobia sucks.

We checked into the Whittier Inn which was right on the bay and super cute looking. Most of us were on the same floor. The twins we met invited us to see their suite...such cute boys. MR and I then headed with AM, BB, and JB to eat dinner.

Our view was amazing and I still couldn't believe I was in Alaska.

 

We returned to our rooms and we saw a Bald Eagle from the window. MR and I saw a group of people walking out of this building where they worked and start walking and we wondered where they were going. We lost sight of them and I went down to follow them I am such a dork. As I kept walking I was enjoying the views and  wanted to walk to the Buckner building and then realized I had no cell phone with me. I also started thinking I am out of view and no way to tell anyone where I am going or call if I need help. Which of course set me thinking of this is how people get cut up and found in little pieces in Criminal Minds, so I stopped my little walk and headed back to the Inn. More to come later about the Buckner building later.

That night when we tried to go to sleep we had a total giggle and laugh fest I don't recall exactly now what was said but it was hilarious.