Driving the Seward HIghway

On Saturday we drove through the second longest highway tunnel in North America, saw five moose, three bald eagles, ate some of the most delicious clam chowder, and skipped rocks in the Prince William Sound. Pretty amazing day.

We started the drive out of Anchorage on the Seward Highway. This beautiful road takes you south along  base of the Chugach Mountains and the shore of Turnagain Arm.

There are multiple places to pull off and enjoy the amazing views as well as hiking trails and mountain climbs.

My adventurous husband... he's made for Alaska. :)

The tide was out when we drove by but I hear it is quite the sight to see when the tide comes in. 

It forms a bore tide. A bore tide is "is a tidal phenomenon in which the leading edge of the incoming tide forms a wave (or waves) of water that travels up a river or narrow bay against the direction of the river or bay's current."  Cool! I would love to see that!

Portage Glacier Lake

Our drive brought us to a two and a half mile long single lane tunnel underneath this mountain. It is the only road access to the town of Whitter on the other side. If you miss the 15 minuet opening to go through you have to wait an hour till they open your side again.

Sadly my camera battery died and the tunnel picture was the last one taken. So I don't have any personal photos of the gorgeous mountains on the other side. If I did though you would see a tiny little town that was built along with the tunnel as a secret port during WWII. It's nestled between the mountains on the Prince William Sound. 

Today the town relies mostly on tourism. During the summer cruise ships often dock here and you can take a fishing trip out or go kayaking, hunting or hiking.

The town of Whittier. Photo credit here.

On the way home we spotted five moose. The first two Elijah saw first and they were munching on bushes along the side of the highway.
The other three were way across a marshy area so we didn't get a good look at them.
I can't wait to go back and do some more exploring!

Our drive along the Seward Highway from Anchorage to Whittier.