Monday, September 24, 2001

Hello from Valdez, Alaska!

Start time: 0800

Start odometer: 14033

Weather: Clouds, sun, rain, fog, temperature 36 F to start the day.

Highlights:

Had breakfast in the lodge this morning, talked with Carol the owner, Jerry the neighbor, and had another great conversation with Jean and Neal visiting from Missouri. (Unfortunately, my picture of Carol did not work. Sorry, Carol...)
Neal and Jean
Jerry
Continued my drive a few hours later along Alaska Highway 1, the Glenn Highway.
Took a side road to Lake Louise, a very scenic lake twenty miles off the Glenn Highway
Pictures of Lake Louise -

Carol suggested I turn off the Lake Louise spur road at mile ten for some great views of the Alaska mountain range and the Susitna valley -
Drove back to the Glenn Highway, then turned to the east. Soon, the Wrangell Mountains come into view -
As before, the Autumn colors are beautiful here, and the views are incredible!
After arriving in Glennallen, I turned south onto the Richardson Highway, which will lead me to Valdez.
Along this road is the Visitor Center for the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. This is the largest National Park in the United States, and only two roads enter the park. I sat through a video presentation of the park, and descriptions included discussion of the many backcountry options, the active volcano, and that one of the glaciers in the park is larger than the state of Rhode Island! The ranger was very helpful, and warned that about one of the park roads. It was built on a former railroad bed, so one must take caution not to run over any railroad ties or spikes that might work their way up through the gravel, which could possibly puncture a tire. I will probably avoid that road!
As you head south on the Richardson Highway, there are many options to view the Alaska Pipeline, including a trip by a pump station just east of the road.
It began to rain as I approached Thompson Pass, but it did not lessen the beauty of the drive. After driving through the pass, the rain ceased and some sun was breaking through the clouds.
Speaking of Thompson Pass, what a spectacular drive!!! (Jane, are you related to the person honored by this pass?!?!) The views are incredible, and pictures cannot show the beauty seen. Also, the road has just been paved through the pass, making for an excellent drive.
Thompson Pass -

Wonderful colors along the hillside near the pass -
After driving down the hill, there are several waterfalls to see along the road. First is Bridal Veil Falls -
And Horseshoe Falls -
Tomorrow I will look around Valdez for a bit, then head north towards Tok, joining the Alaska Highway, and heading to Canada. I have enjoyed Alaska very much, and will miss the state. I will be anxious to return soon!
Thank you for reading the page!