VALDEZ

Columbia Glacier

We had planned on being in Valdez for three days and leaving yesterday, but due to two days of steady rain we decided to stay through the weekend and celebrate Memorial Day weekend in Valdez.  The second day we were here we toured the museums and loaded up on the local history which was very interesting.  We learned that the original town of Valdez, which was at the mouth of the Valdez Glacier, had been totally destroyed by an earthquake in 1964.  Thirty-two people were killed that were working on the docks which collapsed into the sea.  The town went under water briefly and the ground moved like jello because the ground  was not solid but glacier mud.  In two years the town was rebuilt 4 miles west of the old site on solid rock where it currently is today. We decided to ride to Old Valdez which was totally taken over by trees and no buildings were standing.  Some markers were there stating what was at the various locations.  We then drove the Dayville Road on the other side of Port Valdez and stopped at the fish hatchery.  No tours were available but the person on duty gave us a brief overview of the hatchery where 250,000,000 fish were raised and released at this location.

One of the reasons we stayed extra days was because we wanted to go to the Columbia Glacier on the Lu-Lu Belle, piloted and owned by Captain Fred.  Yesterday started with a light mist but it turned out to be a beautiful day.  I would recommend this trip for anyone coming to Valdez.  There is another boat that goes to the Glacier but it is larger , with more people, and due to the size cannot get as close to the Glacier.  We cut through the ice and got within 1/4 mile where others stay about 8 miles from the face of the glacier.  The trip was reasonably priced and included views of sea otters, whales, sea lions, eagles and other wildlife.  we took many pictures which does not do justice to the beauty of what we saw.  Enjoy the pictures!


Bald Eagle

Humpback Whale

Sea Lions

Sea Otters