Alaska is definitely the land of mountains. Coming to Valdez there was a stretch of mountains on our right after we turned east at Palmer to head to Glennallen that went the the whole way, there were some on our left too but we were up against them and the view of them was just a big hill, ya know what I mean. But the ones on our right oh my, then the valley opened up and we had lots of elbow room. Great habitat for moose we thought but didn’t see any on this stretch of road. Getting closer to Glennallen the Wrangle National Park mountains were coming into view. They were on our left after we turned south heading to Valdez. I bought it to Cliffs’ attention the pipeline, he was very interested in catching sight of it. Lots of side roads heading in its directions but be you can’t get close to it!!!
Then more mountains come into view in front of us, and more and more, and we climb a small pass, well to us a small pass!!!! but let me tell you their decents are 8% or more sometimes!!! WHOA………..and the road turns and more mountians/glaciers literally, it’s one beautiful drive, and I then read it was considered Alaska’s most beautiful roads.
So the weather was very good yesterday for mountain viewing, because when we came into Palmer over three weeks ago it was low clouds and rainy…..So we were blessed there!! Today, Saturday the 8th, weather app. and it’s proved it 100% chance of rain today here in Valdez. No mud tho, sandy soil and grey chopped rock, like our red path rock at home…..we are getting a taste of our camper very close quarters style today. Doing well, got the table set up, half of our stuff in the truck, and we are snug as a bug!! Oh and a first, we are hooked up to electric. Have had this camper for a tad over 3 years and never used electric at a campsite, just at home to get frig cold. So can use computer lots and charge all camera batteries and phone, or and not worry about frig, we have some halibut in the freezer couldn’t fit it all in when we shipped some home. Had our first taste Thursday evening, foil wrapped it with onions and butter!!! Yum, less cooking time next time is all I need to change!
At a KOA, they are pretty dependable for clean showers and toilets. Easy going campers also. But something about Alaskans, while camping in Talkeetna and last night here, Alaskans seem to like to shoot at night, like 12:30ish… um.. Let me tell ya Cliff said you could hunt all night long here it’s that light out, but sundown here is at 11:10pm so a very long day for hunting.
3 mile wide glacier
Denali
awesome views
So far we love Whittier, I love Talkeetna, is too ‘hippish’ for Cliff, and so far Valdez, it’s quiet so far, not busy like Seward was but in Sewards defense a big race up a mountain there was being held on the 4th and that is when we pulled in, mid/late afternoon.
I may get an ipad for next trip, then I could have it easily on lap or in front with me and type stuff as I think of it, this is jumping around I apologize!!!! Coming down from Talkeetna we turned left to head to Hatcher Pass, so we by passed Wasilla! I did that same exact drive with Amy 10 years ago! I had forgotten just (hear I go again) beautiful Hatcher Pass was!!!! Last time was in September, golds, reds, some greens, you know fall colors!!! this time of course it’s July and all of Alaska has been getting rain so very green. Over the top of the top and down another very steep grade bet it was 10% at least, is a state park, Independence Mine gold also! It was up and running in the 30’s even, lots of buildings and some had been refurbished. Nice hiking, Oakley loved it, she knew she was in the mountains and on a hike!!!! Henri was happy to just be out and about, Oakley was happy he was happy!! Cliff panned for some gold in two different spots and one pan had some gold pd. he got a rock that looks like what you find gold in in Colorado and there is a speck, so got a souvenir. 🙂 🙂
So wrote descriptions on pics maybe you just need to click on them?? I don’t get tired of Denail, feel very, very lucky to have the kind of day we had to view and fly it!!!!
It’s 7 pm and we’ve survived the camper all afternoon, the bathrooms are just 30-40 yds. away, rain is slowing down bunches!! and I’m ready to post this and go walk in the rain for a bit. My rain coat hasn’t been worn so much for one day ever!! plenty of times in the past just not ever worn all day long!!! hahahah oh pics of coming into Valdez next!!!!
hausta la vista’ Karen 🙂
gigisworld2016 
Great blog! And I love the photos! Glad you’re enjoying your trip so much.
Mary Beth
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