Day 57 Valdez

There are 3 museums here so we decided to take the day and learn about this city. Valdez has definitely seen its share of hard times. In 1964 the largest earthquake ever in North America occurred fifty miles off the coast. The entire area was destroyed and what few places survived were condemned. They had to rebuild the entire city 4 miles down the road on stable ground. Then in 1989 the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred crippling the fishing industry and their way of life.  Many people remained after the disasters but others moved away never to return. Here are some pics from our day out in town. 

Native dolls

Figurines made from tusk

Hide with scene burnt into it over 100 yrs old

Gold rush settler cabin

Photographers studio 

Early settlers during more modern times cabin

Local taverns bar from original city. 

Across the bay are the oil storage containers for Alaskan pipeline. The pipeline ends here in Valdez

Any way you look a waterfall can be seen

The harbor

Beautiful glaciers can be seen from harbor 

We plan on leaving in the morning and on to Tok then to Chicken. Where we we begin the trip back toward the south into Canada and southwest Alaska before entering Vancover BC and Washington in the next few weeks. Not much wifi or phone expected during this part of journey but never know. You just have to plan ahead. 

Day 56 The Road to Valdez

We had a little over 100 mile drive to reach Valdez. As with most of Alaska the terrain is ever changing and unique. We heard this is the land of waterfalls and it is true. The drive today was like driving thru a valley with very high mountains surrounding you, then we climbed the mountains and if you go up you know you have to come down!  It was beautiful and we stopped to take in sites several times. They also have huge glaciers that are down near the road. After getting in town we walked to the harbor. The fishing boats were coming in so we saw some great catches. Halibut mainly, but some rock bass too and others I didn't know. Here are todays pics. 

Day 55 Goodbye Anchorage

Off we go today heading back north, yes north again. If you check out Alaskas roads you will understand, there are very few roads and you have to go sometimes long distances to get to the road you want go be on. Hopefully we will make Valdez tomorrow we are at a wilderness RV park near Glennview. If we survive these mosquitos and whatever wild animals are in here I will be one happy  camper.  You cannot step outside without full bug suits on, worse bugs ever!!  Here are todays pics. We did see some awesome glaciers, one very close to road. Also while checking out glacier we met some nice folks from Lincoln Co Ky. 

Glacier very low down

Looking out back window we can see stream. 

Day 54 Anchorage sites

Carvel is feeling better this morning and we didn't want to leave without seeing a few places. Our first stop was the Alaskan Heritage Center.  This was a great place, it gave the history and explained a lot about the many different native cultures in Alaska. All the various native groups came together to plan and show unity between all natives that have inhabited the Alaskan territory at this cultural center.  They even worked to create a totem pole that captures this unity. The did several dance and game demonstrations and at each area they had young natives to explain and answer questions. This is a great place to visit if in Anchorage. Here are some pics from here before I start on our next stop.  

The living quarters for woman and children. Several would live together and the cooking area also was part of this. 

The men and older boys. Theirs were larger and taller. They said maybe up to 15 would live in these underground quarters. The true houses would have earthen floors and walls covered with animal hides. They all had small openings in top for light that were made from seals    intestines because of being waterproof. They used seal intestines for numerous things including rain jackets. No part of any killed animal was wasted. It really varied what animals were most important for survival from area to area. Here are some other pics. 

Seal intestines raincoats 

Whale carcass 

The unity totem pole representing all native groups

These are called house totem poles and represents what is held important such as family, culture etc. 

After leaving here were drove into downtown to go to Earthquake park. This park is along the shoreline and the area was greatly affected by the 1964 earthquake. 

After a quick look around (bugs were terrible) we decided to go to the nearby Aviation History Museum.  This was an awesome place at the Anchorage airport it was located at the water airstrips which was interesting in itself. We just had 11/2 hr before it closed and needed several more hours to do it justice. What a fun fun place that I am sure gets passed by too often. 

A really fun flight simulator you take off anf fly over Anchorage and then land if your good!  

I know this is a long post but we have had a full day and we are tired!!!