June 18 & June 19, 2014

Anchorage

The trip down from Denali was pretty miserable with pouring rain and high winds. However, we had perfect timing. When we were 5 miles from the Golden Nugget RV Park, the change oil light came on. I suspected that it would be somewhere around Anchorage or Homer.... Perfect!

We setup camp and of course went downtown to get a lay of the land. We found that downtown Anchorage is a little confusing as there are three one way streets in a row that all go the same direction. These are all right downtown near the visitors center and the Federal Courthouse. Interesting; the same building.

We had to show ID's and go through metal detectors in order to go into the visitors center. Kinda weird.

After that we had to go down to Wild West Guns where they film the Animal Planet Wild West Alaska. I did not know what to expect, but we decided to go in (Chris & I) as Heather stayed in the jeep because she was afraid to go in if they were filming.

Well guess what? They were getting ready for Season 3 and the film crew was there performing wardrobe preparations. We got to meet Hans and Ken of the cast. Chris had both of them sign the back of a tee shirt she purchased.

On June 19th, we got up early and changed the oil in the motor home. As usual, it is pretty easy as there is so much room under the chassis. Now for the weird stuff. Right across Debarr Rd. is an O'Reilly Auto Parts. We drove the jeep over to it and took the oil in to recycle and purchase another gallon of oil as the Motor Home takes 4 gallons and I wanted a little extra. Well, they informed me they do not recycle oil and no one else does in town. I really could not believe it as everyone in the lower 48 does. But, they were correct. The only way to recycle used motor oil in Anchorage is to take it to the land fill. So we got to visit the Anchorage Land Fill up near Eagle River. It was pretty easy, but not what I expected.


Anchorage Land fill

After that adventure, we packed up the jeep and when down to the Portage Glacier. We drove the Seward Highway along Turnagain Bay to the Portage Highway seeing the Kenai Peninsula on our right. Wow it that a beautiful drive.

In order to "really" see the Glacier, you either take a boat or go through the 2 mile train tunnel to Whittier.

Youtube video of Whittier Tunnel

Once in Whittier, there is a straight up hike (700 feet in under 2 miles) to the Portage Pass. Wow Again!! Not only was the drive through a train tunnel cool, but the Glacier is absolutely awesome.