lyni9
Copper Cacher
Posts: 2
|
Post by lyni9 on Jan 8, 2010 12:27:56 GMT -9
We are considering the Alaska Railroad trip from Portage either to the Spencer Whistlestop or to Grandview. Has anyone taken either of these trips? It looks like the trip to Spencer is only 20 minutes. Do you see anything on this trip that you couldn't see elsewhere? Does the guided tour with the ranger take up the whole time or is there free time? I see there are some caches in this area. Do you have time to get them after the guided tour? The trip on to Grandview is longer. Do you see things here that are not available elsewhere in the state? We'll be traveling throughout Alaska for 3 months, so are there other places that would be recommended instead of (or in addition to) either of these trips?
|
|
|
Post by FrostG1anT on Jan 8, 2010 13:34:55 GMT -9
I would recommend renting a camping outfit (tent sleeping, bags, &c) and staying overnight in Spencer. It is an amazing area, absolutely gorgeous, one of the must see locations in all of Alaska. It is so close and yet so remote from civilization and the view are breathtaking. The overnight is a bit regulated and rugged (there are latrines and a fire pit and several campsites, but no fuel is allowed so all hot things have to be cooked over the fire) but with the extra time out there you should be able to see everything you want.
If you intend to get all of the caches in the area you will have to walk quite fast and skip the ranger guided tour if you are only staying for the whistle stop day trip. It is possible to get several of the caches between the train shelter and the glacial pond and also take the ranger guided tour. Even in inclement weather it is a stunning place. Make sure to take a rain coat and an umbrella and warm clothes as the glacial air can be slightly chilly even on a warm day. A hat and gloves can be needed depending upon the day. When the weather is nice it is stellar.
I have never been to Grandview but plan to make the trip one of these days soon. You wont be getting off the train on the trip to Grandview and so you won't be able to get any of the caches in the area.
Other areas of Alaska I would recommend are Chatanika and the road to Circle. A great trip with incredible scenery and history is taking the Parks Highway to Fairbanks from Anchorage and then taking the Richarson Highway back to Anchorage. It can be done in a day, but has much to offer several days are really needed. Rika's Roadhouse outside of Delta Junction is a great place to stop and the caches along the road system offer a great insight into much of what is Alaska. I cached the road system last Fall and it was one of the best road trips I have taken in years.
Valdez is also another great spot, as well as Whittier (must see Alaskan locale as it is truly unique to Alaska), Seward and Homer. Caine's Head in Seward is a relatively easy long day hike or can be accessed by water taxi and is a glimpse into the WWII history of this State. Bring a flashlight and headlamp with you if you go.
East Mountain in Homer is a place of exceptional views, unfortunately the tower has been removed now as you could see the entire Kenai Peninsula from the top on a clear day. Halibut Cove and Selodvia are nice places to visit and offer an entire different side of Alaska than the other towns in the surrounding area.
Fairbanks is a must see place and the second largest city in Alaska. It still has a very Alaskan feel to it and is home to some very hardy souls who can survive in a place with the potential of a 200 degree seasonal temperature fluctuation (can get to -100 in winter and 100 above in summer).
Alaska is a vast and wonderful place and it would take many lifetimes to truly enjoy everything it has to offer. I hope your trip brings you memories for a lifetime.
|
|
|
Post by Valerieseaker on Jan 11, 2010 1:29:32 GMT -9
I agree with what FrostG1anT said. Spencer Whistlestop is amazing. If possible, camp overnight so you'll have more time to explore and enjoy the area. We had an Spencer Whistle Stop event, GC1QPYK, last summer. Check it out. There's lots of photos. Maybe we'll have one this summer, too (I hope so!)
|
|