Life is Grand: Valdez, AK

Valdez is where the 800 mile Trans-Alaska Pipeline ends and is loaded onto tankers and is the sight of the Exxon-Valdez oil spill. The spill was not visibly noticeable but it is still negatively affecting their eco system. Valdez is also a small coastal fishing village but was a bit more lively and had more bars and restaurants to visit. After spending the night, we were off to the interior of Alaska.

On the way out of Valdez, we stopped at Solomon Gulch where there is a salmon hatchery. It was really neat and since we were there in prime salmon spawning season, tons and tons of salmon were trying to get back to where they were born to spawn their young. The hatchery cannot have millions of fish coming in, so they put up a grate to block the salmon from coming in. There were also big road signs to be careful that there were bears in the area and to stay in your cars, luckily we got to see the bears fishing for salmon!!It was so cool and right off the side of the road. Two little black bears were fishing. We stopped our cars with about 5 other cars of people and got out and just watched them for 20 minutes. We would less that 100 yards from them and I don’t think they even noticed us. Our car was VERY close, so if the approached, we would have been able to get into our car quickly!! This was the highlight of the trip for AJ.

Below are some photos from Valdez:

The oil refinery and terminal in Valdez, AK.

Valdez from the ferry.

Valdez, AK

Port Valdez Fjord

Solomon Gulch

These salmon are trapped and are going to die since
they are on the wrong side of the net.

All of the salmon trying to enter the hatchery.

Salmon trying to swim upstream.

We watched this bird wrangle in this salmon for breakfast.

He pecked out it's eyeball to kill it before feasting on his catch!

Looking out on the Port Valdez Fjord.

Valdez Marine Oil Terminal. This is where the Trans-Alaska Pipeline ends.
Pre-Spetember 11, they used to have a tour. Since the terrorist attacks, there is no more dam tour here!