We are from Pennsylvania, and our travel friends are from Massachusetts.
In 2021, we (together) planned a road trip from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay, with the ultimate goal of seeing and entering the Arctic Ocean. Why? Because we wanted to experience the beauty and wildest part of Alaska along the Dalton Highway, travel above the Arctic Circle, overnight at a B& B in Wiseman, eat dinner at the truck stop in Coldfoot, tell our friends that we had been to three of the four “Corners” of the U.S. in 2022 (Maine, Florida and Alaska), and complete a bucket list of items.
We accomplished all the items, but had one disappointment. The “tour” fee to see and touch the Arctic Ocean was unreasonable and was run by the only company permitted to take us to there. It was merely a cramped van ride. The “guide” was a young man with little knowledge of the area, a driver who knew the way, and was far from a “tour guide.”
I agree with Eric Kay’s letter to the editor. A valuable part of America’s energy future is at Prudhoe Bay that should be showcased without compromising security, not with just a “van ride” to the Arctic Ocean. All in all, other than the “van ride,” it was an awesome experience.
— Mike and Patti Metzgar
Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania
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