Here in Valdez we are parked at the Sea Otter RV park overlooking the port of Valdez. There is something always going on here in the port; large oil tankers are in and out as well as sightseeing boats and ferries, fishing and tug boats. We have a front row seat and the weather couldn't be better for watching all the going ons.

The Alaska Oil Pipeline ends across the bay at a terminal where the hugh tankers take on the oil.

We also saw a two movies; one on the pipelne and the 1964 earthquake and how it affected Valdez. Valdez was actually rebuilt 4 miles from its original location.

Monday we took a cruise to the Columba Ice Fields and Glacier in the Prince Willam Sound. Just stunning. This glacier was the last of the tidewater glaciers to go into retreat. In 2002 it had retreated a distance of 7.5 miles. The colors were just beautiful. We saw much sea life.

The recovery process from the Exxon Valdez oil spill still continues. Locals feel that the areas affected are almost back to normal but compelte recovery is a natural process and will take years.

Wothington Glacier. One of the many we saw entering Valdez. We hiked to the base of it today, Tuesday August 4th. This glacier has large crevasses on the front of it which showed up as deep tourquoise caves -just beautiful.

Sunday we left for Valdez traveling thru Glennallen where we turned south on to the Richardson Highway.

Mary, this is the vew we were looking at while talking with you on Sunday. This is
Sheep Mountain. We could see mountain goats with our binos.

You could also view the Alaskan Pipeline many times enroute to Valdez. I

Beautiful scenery on the Richardson Highway and arriving in Valdez was breath taking with the moutains and all the glaciers.

Saturday we camped in Palmer, AK at Mountain View RV Park about 43 miles north of Anchorage and took a motorcycle rode to Hatcher Pass and the Independence Mine State Historical Park. A beautiful ride. This is between the Glenn Highway and the Parks Highway.

A nice winding road with lots pf pull outs to see the Little Sustina River and beautiful wildflowers. Recreational mining is allowed within the public use area. And there was a wedding taking place on the rocks! We enjoyed our afternoon coffee at the Hatcher Pass Lodge watching paragliding.

Friday Steve and I took a float plane ride over Anchorage. The flight was great and since Steve and I were the only ones on the plane he did some extra touch & gos. Awesome!

On Thursday we met my cousin Laurie Jean and husband Mike at the Alaska Heritage Center. They were in Anchorage visiting their son who is stationed at Elmendorf Air Force base. It was great seeing family!!

This center is where we learned about the various Alaskan natives and their customs. We toured the museum, saw native dancing and then took a walking tour that depicted the many different style homes the clans constructed. There were authentic native Alaskans of different clans presenting informative programs. Very interesting .