Day 46 - Valdez, Alaska

Saturday--July 24, 2010   Day 46--Valdez, Alaska   Sheryl & Bob Price, Rig #10

We were picked up in the morning at the campground in what looked like a school bus but it was actually made to be used as a tour bus for the Aleyska Oil Terminal before 9/11 and the tours were halted. Our driver and our guide, whose names escape me, were very funny and informative.

As they drove us out to where the original town stood they told us all about the Good Friday earthquake of 1964 and the ensuing tsunami that took the lives of 33 people. Most of them were working on the wharf where there was also a ship docked and the wharf just sunk and the ship came up over it. The only thing left of the town now is the land which is covered in bushes and trees. The town was moved 4 miles away to its current location because the land is more stable. At a distance we could see 3 of the collection ships that are anchored there. They are to be used to collect any oil that may be spilled in the sound in case of another accident like the Exxon Valdez. They have 42 miles of oil booms-one of the largest amassed anywhere although some of it is being used in the gulf right now. We also stopped to get a great view of an eagle sitting atop an electric pole.

Our next stop was out to see the Fish Hatchery area where the salmon are coming back to spawn--the pinks. There were lots of fisherman although you are not supposed to fish there and lots of fish but we noticed that they throw back a lot for some reason. There are also lots of sea gulls, sometimes eagles, sea otters and seals and when you are lucky you will see "The Bears". That morning and the night before we were not lucky.

On to the Oil Terminal which we had seen from the boat the day before but this time we had a somewhat closer view. We had a good view of the #1 birth which they don't use and some of the huge tanks which I think she said that each one is over an acre in size. She said that at one time she worked there giving breathalizer tests. She had several stories to tell.

They drove us out to their very own Valdez Glacier which we could not see because it was hiding up in a valley but we saw some big ice hunks that had broken off from it. Something very curious is that there were two pristene picnic tables with no initials carved in them but the Alaskans seem to have an affinity for shooting at all their signs.

They drove us back into town to show us all their businesses, museums, government buildings, a new dock for the cruise ships which don't come here now, a beautiful Civic and Convention Center and theater, Prince William Sound Community College and one of Peter Toth's wooden carvings of the head of a native Alaskan. The town truly isn't much but due to the oil money they have received from the State of Alaska and the oil company they are one of the richest towns in Alaska. It was an enjoyable tour.

After being brought back to the campground we all scattered to find lunch somewhere--we ended up at Old Town Burgers where lo and behold a bunch more showed up. Then we scattered again to wander around to some of the museums and to see some camera footage of the earthquake. In too short a time we had to go back to the coach to prepare our food for the potluck in the evening and our briefing. The potluck was fun and all the food was really good. I think we all probably ate too much.

We went home to the coach to clean up the kitchen and close up the coach for the coming mornings trip and go to bed. This night I was exhausted and sick of the rain. I should have gone to see "The Bears" because they were seen by some of the others. Oh well, maybe another time.