I wanted to show our group how the interior of Alaska was different from the low-lying areas around Prince William Sound. So, after only one night in Valdez, we drove north over Thompson Pass and then east to Chitina, an old town on the now-defunct Copper River railroad. The coastal mountains screen out much of the moisture blowing in from the Gulf of Alaska so the interior is generally drier and colder than the coast. Right on cue, as we approaced Chitina, the rain clouds dissipated and the sun came out.

When I first thought about staying overnight in Chitina I was not very optimistic about finding accomodations or a place to eat. However, online I found reference to the Chitina House B&B! (907-823-2298) and discovered that it was run by Carla, an old friend of mine. She accomodated 6 of our group for $__. Loni, of the Native Corporation (907-823-2223), accomodated the remaining 5 of us across the road in a big cabin. The Native Corporation charged $300 for two days.

One of the principal attractions in Chitina, besides Uncle Tom's Tavern, is the assemblage of fishwheels on the Copper River. Also moose and bears, but we saw none. Fortunately the weather was great so we did a lot of sightseeing. My group was so taken with Chitina that they demanded to stay a second day - which we were able to arrange.