June 3 -- Rafting on the Tazlina and Copper Rivers

Rafting on the Tazlina and Copper Rivers

We were the only people to sign up for the rafting this in the morning and ending up having a private rafting trip on the Tazlina and Copper Rivers adjoining the Wrangle-St. Elias National Park. Micah, who was our oarsman, and Kyle, our driver, met us in the lobby and provided us with boots, overalls, and life vests.  There was a short drive to the input for launching the raft on the Tazlina, which is a glacier fed river.   

Micah Preparing the Raft

Because they have had a cold spring, the water flow was not as much as it should be for this time of year.  Along the way we had very nice views of the terrain and within a short distance saw an eagle perched high on a black spruce.   

This is a glacial valley with the shoreline composed of hills of finely ground rock/sand.  Although the area is inhabited by black bear, we did not see any on the trip. We saw two additional bald eagles and then, during a shoreline stop at a meadow, we saw a large eagle nest containing the mother and probably the young.  

Along the way there were a couple of fish wheels in operation to capture salmon, which are beginning to enter the copper river.    

Fish Wheel

The scenic trip was about 2-1/2 hours in length with partly cloudy skies. 

At 12 noon, we took the shuttle to the Wrangle-St. Elias National Park Center to learn more about this immense National Park.  In an open amphitheater, one of the park rangers gave a talk on the wolverine, which is found in the park. 

We saw the movie on the Wrangle-St. Elias Mountains and the numerous exhibits on the park.  Wildflowers were blooming and we walked to an overlook with good views of Mt. Wrangle

Alaska State Flower -- Forget-Me-Not

 Mt. Wrangle in Background

Back at the lodge, we took some pictures of the gorgeous lobby that captures the beauty of the outside.

 

Then, at 4 pm we took the shuttle to a nearby Alyeska Pipeline viewing station, which was about a 15-minute drive.  At the station, we had an opportunity to see up close an above ground section of the 800-mile pipeline (4’diameter) constructed in the mid-1970’s to take oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez.  

The pipeline is supported by huge frames with passive refrigeration units on the arms that penetrate the permafrost.  These units are charged with ammonia.  The pipe rests on cradles that move on Teflon sheets to protect against movement from earthquakes, which occur throughout Alaska.

As the pipe ascends mountain slopes, a zig-zac laying of the pipe occurs to protect against damage from movement produced by earthquakes and temperature contraction/expansion.  There are 9 stations where “pigs” can be inserted for monitoring and scrubbing the lines as well as propelling the oil through the pipeline.  At full capacity, it takes oil 5 days to travel the 800-mile distance.  The whole process is truly an engineering feat. 

Dinner this evening was Crab Cakes on Sirache marinated slaw (Bev), Black & Bleu Bites (Larry), Caesar Salad, and New York Strip Steak with vegetables and herb roasted potatoes.  Tomorrow we are off to Denali.