The Alaska Pipeline

Love it or hate it, it is an amazing engineering feat. Actually seeing it

gave me a new found appreciation for the task it was to construct and

the raw, untamed wilderness it meanders across. It crosses 800 miles

(1280km) of an amazing expanse of nature. Comments, ratings and

suggestions appreciated. Thanks for looking.

It's through photos like this that I learn. This is really interesting. I've never seen pictures of it before, and I guess I didn't realize it was above ground. Which brings to mind all kinds of questions like how do they secure the areas and prevent sabotage of the pipeline? It's such a vast and barren landscape. It seems if the right people wanted to do some serious damage that this would be a good place to do it. Also, I wanted to thank you for your lovely comment on my Palouse image......yes, you know I'm jealous! The Palouse must be beautiful in the spring. Eventually I want to photograph it in every season. This summer we're going back out west.....to Portland. We'll be traveling for 2 weeks, but haven't decided where yet. We may go up to Mt. Rainier....have you been there? Any other suggestions? I don't think we want to stray too far away.......like within 5-6 hrs. of Portland, but there is so much out there that we shouldn't have trouble finding great photo ops. Thanks again for thinking of me today!

When my children were much younger, I knew a man socially who was one of the engineers of the pipeline. He worked out of Toronto. I always found it fascinating taking to him about the immense project this was from the beginnings. Nice shot JIm. sincerely, Gail

Jim,

 

Amazing shot. That would be a beautiful background as your worked. Take care, Patsy

Jim,this is not only a very interesting landscape photo but a very interesting documentary one,is amazing what I can see here.As Christal said I think that is a big problem to secure this industrial giant and maintenance in winter time too.Only I can say is I thank you for this documentary moment you show us,have a nice day.

Well seen Jim, I like what you wrote…..Love it or hate it…one must appreciate the pipeline and all that goes with it.

 

Warm regards, Pamela

 

Thanks all for the comments. Interesting the comments regarding the security of the structure. The only thing I can say regarding that is Alaska has as much if not more military per capita as any state in the union. Coupled with the fact that but for a brief few months, this is a desolate and hostile environment. The most interesting part of the construction story is that the pipeline had to cross a mountain range on it's final leg to Valdez. Best wishes-Jim

That's a whole lotta pipe, Jim. Your point of view captures the length of the thing nicely.

 

What were you doing in Alaska? Were you on vacation, and if so, why did you choose Alaska?

I read your introductory and the comments above with lots of interest. Facit: It's an amazing industrial 'monument' and technical/engineerial achievement. Worthwhile to show this capture. Compliments!