Whittier Comes Back

Referring to Peter Greenberg’s June 17 article on tourism in the Prince William Sound (“Visitors Begin to Return to Alaska After Spill”), Whittier is an isolated community. Indeed it is true to its claim to be “unique even to Alaska.” And yes, several buildings in Whittier are in shabby disrepair or simply abandoned.

However, your article gave complete disregard to some outstanding efforts by individuals in Whittier to make the town an attractive and pleasant day-trip for tourists. The quayside is lined with several quaint shops--gift shop and visitors center, not to mention a small fish-and-chips shop that produces the best seafood dinners in the Sound. The Kayak rental agency accommodates the most adventurous groups. There are also some very beautiful and challenging hiking trails.

The town does not pretend to be sophisticated, but your comments on Whittier gave scant regard for the positive claims of this rather unusual little town and its enterprising residents.

INA HAWKINS

Whittier, Alaska