June 27, 2017 - Tok, AK to Valdez, AK

Out team, Sea Turtles, was the last one of the 4 teams to leave the campground at 8:50 am for Valdez, Alaska.

 

 

 

We stopped at Mentasta Lodge off AK-1 for a short break   Richard's engine started to get hot. Gary, the tailgunner, arrived 20 minutes later, discussed and decided that we, Bill/Donna and Ted/Dee go ahead. Brian and Nancy stayed behind with Richard and Eileen to see if they can troubleshoot the engine problem. 

 

 

There was a road/bridge construction on Alaska Highway.  

 

Frost heaves were evident along Glenn Highway.  It felt like we were riding on a mini roller coaster or over a washboard.  Erwin had to slow down many times to avoid jerks and bumps when driving over the heaves.

 

Again, there was another road construction, and we had to really slow down because of the equipment around. The road was gravel, so by driving slowly there is a less chance of getting cracks on the windshield.

 

 

We pulled into a double-ended turnout for a scenic viewpoint overlooking Cobbs Lake, a chain of 3 lakes.  No sight of moose there. There was an interpretive sign about Lt. Henry T. Allen's expedition in 1885.

 

 

Donna & her dog, Harley

 

We visited Wrangell- St Elias National Park and Preserve.  It is the largest area managed by the National Park Service, has over 13 million acres.

Visitor Center

Bill trying to scare Donna with beaver hand puppet

 

Wrangell- St Elias Mountain Range

 

 

Close-up look of Quaking Aspen Leaves

Quaking Aspen

 

 

 

Sea Turtles Team Members:
Erwin, Bill, Donna, Ted, Dee & me

Bear Cache - food storage to prevent bears and other
animals for getting to foods

 

Aftr leaving Wrangell-St. Elias National Park we continued our journey toward Valdez, AK.  In spite of the cloudy weather the view of the mountain ranges was so breathtaking.

 

Worthington Glacier
on Richardson Highway.  It is now a National Natural Landmark

Valdez Welcome Sign

One of several waterfalls that can be seen while
driving through Keystone Canyon on way to
Valdez, AK

Bridal Veil

Bridal Veil Falls is less than 14 miles from Valdez

We checked into Eagle's Rest RV Park at 5:25 pm, was escorted to our campsite by a campground employee in his golf cart.  Although the clouds were hunging over the mountains there ia a 360 degree view of the mountains from the campground.

 

 

 

 

While there was still light outside we went out to explore a bit after getting our Lil' Home set up.

 

 

 

 

Fileting Halibut

Yelloweye Rockfish - one of the prizeed rockfish species

  

The marina

Wild rabbits were abundant in Valdez

  

 

Valdez, AK was established in 1897-98 as a port of entry for gold seekers bound for the Klondike goldfields.

~~Edith

 Miles driven: 254+ from Tok, AK to Valdez, AK

Campground: Eagle's Rest RV Park for 3 nights