Alaska: Our First Ferry Ride

During our time in Valdez, a friend recommended we take the ferry to Whittier. She promised it would be a chance to spot marine life and take a break from driving. Normally, I’m more of a go-with-the-flow kind of person, not one for planning. But I’m so thankful God places planners in my life—they help me experience so much more than I’d ever think to do on my own!

Join us on our first ferry ride from Valdez to Whittier Alaska, with our fifth wheel!

Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Adventure

We originally wanted a glacier cruise, but found it almost as expensive as the ferry—thanks to our kids now being “adults” and costing full price, which drives me nuts!

At the dock, we watched RVs unload and got worried about our truck and trailer making the sharp 90-degree turn, especially since most vehicles were smaller RVs and camper vans.

My husband took the plunge and asked if we’d fit, and to our surprise, we had three feet to spare! At 53 feet long, we were relieved. So, we booked our tickets and actually went to bed at a decent hour that night, knowing we’d need to be up for our 5:30 am departure. 

Driving onto the ferry was more than a little nerve- wracking for me...in the passenger seat. Thankfully, Scott is a very calm and confident driver. 

It was a pretty seamless process, they directed us perfectly, and parked us inches from the wall!

After boarding the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry, we were able to go upstairs and eat breakfast. The Ferry had windows all around as well as some benches outside. Unfortunately, the day was chilly and rainy, leading us to spend the majority of our time indoors.

We were lucky enough to spot plenty of sea otters and even a pod of porpoises, plus some stunning icebergs and glaciers.

While others on the ferry caught a glimpse of a whale, I missed it—despite praying for one the whole time! I was so disappointed. God answered my prayer, but as usual, distraction was my downfall.

The ferry experience was a seven hour day for us. It was a great experience, Scott was especially happy to get a break from driving!

Do I Ever Tow the Fifth Wheel?

Many people ask me if I ever drive, I wish I was comfortable enough to tow, but the thought of it terrifies me. I hate driving period, I especially hate driving the big truck, I can’t imagine pulling a trailer on the highway, but I really desire to want to do it.

It is one of those things that I’m just going to have to do, afraid. I am working on it. I’ve driven it once and backed it in once, baby steps. 

Whittier, Alaska

When we arrived at Whittier’s port, the rain didn’t dampen the beauty of the vibrant blue waters. We expected a smooth ferry exit, but it was trickier than anticipated. To clear the loading ramp, the crew used driving boards, and despite several attempts, we were impressed by their skill and calmness.

Whittier’s weather wasn’t ideal, and the area we planned to stay was a mud pit with huge snow piles. After getting stuck in snow on a glacier trip, Scott wasn’t keen on repeating that, so we left. I’d love to return one day to hike Portage Pass.

Whittier is a unique place—everyone lives in the same building, and the only way in or out is through a 2.5-mile tunnel, North America’s longest combined rail and highway tunnel. 

The tunnel operates on a 30-minute light system, and although we missed it and had to wait, the stunning scenery made the delay enjoyable.

Elmendorf FamCamp

About an hour later, we pulled into Elmendorf FamCamp, which is on a military base outside of Anchorage. The sites were first come first serve. 

I always ask God to prepare a spot for us when we have no reservations, and He has, every time.

• The FamCamp was $27/night and full hookups.

• I love staying at full hookup sites—long, hot showers where I can wash my hair AND shave my legs? Pure luxury.

• And I can do as many dishes as I want without worrying about filling up the black tank (thanks to a manufacturer mistake, our kitchen sink drains into it).

• At first, I was frustrated, but now we actually appreciate it. The dish soap helps rinse the black tank and keeps odors at bay. Sorry if that’s a bit too much info!

The Downside to Full Time Rv-ing

After a long day, we pulled into our site, only to find our living room slide wouldn’t budge. 

Exhausted, the last thing we wanted was to troubleshoot the trailer. Turns out, the key for the manual slide operation had bounced off while navigating Alaskan roads. 

Scott, our “MacGyver,” tried every makeshift tool he could think of, but nothing worked. I prayed, reminded him to pray, and—bam—God gave him the idea to use vise grips to loosen the motor. It worked! 

Praise the Lord, we finally got to sleep. Apparently, 4:30 AM wake-ups don’t sit well with my family—we were all a bit grumpy!

Mark 11:24

" Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."

Reflection

 

Scott used to tell me that I had a direct line to God because my prayers were consistently answered. As his faith has grown, he now realizes that he has and always had a direct line to God. We ALL do through Jesus!

Often, we fail to notice God's answers to our prayers and forget to express gratitude.

• I find it helps me to journal my prayers, that way I can not only remember what I prayed for, but see how faithful God is in answering them.

At times we may consider our prayers too trivial to bother God with.

• I have found that when I pray for the little things like a whale, a campsite, and the ability to fix our trailer slide- I feel even more loved than when He answers the big things.

God's care extends beyond the significant aspects of life; He takes joy in us, and desires for us to turn to Him with every little detail.

• He desires for us to share our needs, desires, emotions, and relationships - no matter how dire or insignificant. He desires to bless us, even if that means sending a whale while we are grumpy and inattentive, just to show us He cares.

I pray that all of us will make use of our direct line to God, being attentive to His responses, no matter how small our prayers may seem. In return, may we offer Him the gratitude, praise, and glory He truly deserves.

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