Day 45 - Valdez, Alaska

Friday, July 22, 2011

Day 45 – Valdez, Alaska

By: Spence and Madi Schaaf, Tailgunners, Rig #2

This morning we were scheduled for a cruise on Prince William Sound.  We left approximately 10 a.m. on the Stan Stephens Glacier and Wildlife Tour, aboard the Valdez Spirit for a 9 ½ hour tour.  We first crossed Port Valdez to view the Alyeska Oil Terminal.  However, we had to stay way off because of the events of 9/11/2001 which necessitated increased security for the facility. 

Alyeska Pipeline Oil Terminal

  

We then headed out the Valdez Arm into the Prince William Sound, to visit Meares Glacier.  On the way we saw numerous Orcas (killer whales), Harbor Seals, Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Eagles, and lots of sea birds including Puffins and Cormorants.

 

We learned about gold and copper mining, fox farming, and the history of the area.  We also learned about the grounding of the Exxon Valdez.  We went through fields of floating ice from the Columbia Glacier, which is a rapidly retreating glacier.  This is caused by the ocean water which is warmer, of course than the ice, lapping up against the face of the glacier, eroding it.  Whereas, the Meares glacier has a moraine in front of it which protects it from the ocean. 





We had a nice chicken lunch on board, as well as a mid-afternoon cup of clam chowder.  The weather could not have been better, and the water was smooth as glass.  We did not arrive back at the RV park until almost 8 p.m.

Later in the evening, many of us drove out to the fish hatchery area for the opportunity to do some bear/wildlife viewing.  We had some success and were able to get photos of a bear, eagle, and sea lions.