Valdez

7-26-13 

The Fish Hatchery on Dayville Road is the place to see Salmon climbing fish ladders, Stellar Sea Lions waiting for lunch and Bears looking for dinner.

Bull Stellar Seal waiting for lunch! Yes, that’s a seal – looks like a rock!Momma and 4 – 1 yr old cubs out for dinner.  Low Tide…..in the fog – low tide – Valdez

And a boat cruise to Columbia Glacier ----- We did see a blurb of a humpback whale, the tail fins of an Orca and her baby as they dove deep, Dall Porpoise swimming in front of the boat, Stellar Sea Lions resting on shore, Horned Puffins diving , a pair of eagles, mountain goats, and more wild life.  The day began very cloudy – overcast…… but improved along the way.As we approached the glacier --- ice chunks floated everywhere.  Note the deep blue color of compacted snow and ice and the many shapes.Denny enjoyed looking for goats on the mountain side….It got very chilly near the glacier ---And the ice debris thickens as we get closer…. the mouth of the glacier is about 2 miles wide…..Not planning to sleep again in the car…… time to head for Palmer.  It was an enjoyable visit to Valdez.The Wrangell Mountains were covered in clouds on the way up, but a nice evening view on the return trip.  Mount Drum

Beautiful sunset along the wayAnd was it great to sleep in our own bed…… ahhh for a good night’s sleep.

Off to Valdez

7-24-13  Decided to take a car trip to Valdez! 

The Glenn Highway looked different without the snow of early May.Miles of trees on the way to Chitina Salmon aren’t here yet, but the fish wheels are ready!Keystone Canyon is scenic with plenty of waterfalls.The Worthington Glacier was another beautiful stop along the way.Yep, enjoyed our campsite at the Valdez GlacierThought it would be a snap!  We would sleep in the car – enjoy the sights in Valdez!  Well we’re not as young, nor as agile as we once were.  Without extra padding for sleeping it was a trip!!!  Lots of laughs for this memorable trip.  Ahhhh, for a comfortable bed!

Valdez sightseeing: Valdez Museum and Earthquake History.Watching Seiner Boats bring in their catch by net --- Stopped at the docks to watch folks come in with their catch……

Enjoying Valdez…….

Alaska

7-25-13  It’s time to enjoy some flowers of Alaska ---- Forget-Me-Nots

Fireweed and Oxeye Daisies

The ski slopes at Girdwood are beautiful dressed in green too!A beautiful drive up to Hatcher Pass Parasailing off the mountain top…..

We’re back in Palmer at Elks for Dr checkup --- wonderful views on Finger Lake.

Back to Palmer

07-21-2013  With Soldotna in the rear view mirror, we’re amazed at the steady flow of RV’s, Boats, and Cars heading to the Kenai and Soldotna for fishing.   

Girdwood is beautiful even without the snow of our earlier trip.  Great place to relax a few days.The Alyeska Resort is very picturesque…..

We stopped to visit Francis & Jo Ann Jackson – park sitting at McHugh – a part of Chugach State Park along Turnagain Arm.  The views are again very enjoyable.

Once settled at the Palmer Elks Lodge – we drove to Hatcher Pass.  Delightful views along the way….Enjoyed watching folks parasailing off the mountain with light breezeThen on to Hatcher Summit LakeDenny’s looking good with his Alaska look!Wild flowers abound – adding to the delight of summer in Alaska

Lovely Finger Lake view at the Elk’s Lodge Palmer/Wasilla.Think we’ll enjoy the view!!!

Soldotna - Kenai

7-17-2013   Late July is Salmon time in Alaska.  Everyone is fishing it seems.  Alaskans are allowed 25 salmon for head of household and 10 for each family member.  That’s a lot of fish.  Today we went to the Kenai River outlet into the Cook Inlet at high tide to see Alaskans dip netting!  Wow!  What an experience!  It’s a family adventure……with a wide variety of equipment.

Fish swim into the net which is dragged to the beach……

Some filet the fish right at the beach….. Others put them in coolers or sleds to take home…..The tails need to be clipped to prove they were caught with a dip net.

Then there are non residents that come to fish….. right now they are allowed 3 fish / day.  There are many fish walks along the Kenai River….Folks line up --- guess they call this ‘combat’ fishingOr they go right into the water hoping for a better chance to catch one!  Those chest high waders are needed – that water is cold!And feeling good with a full catch!Steve Dudley & Fred are canning salmon   Fresh Salmon sure tastes good!