Glennallen to Valdez

I'd heard that this was a beautiful drive, & it did not disappoint. 

Wrangell-St- Elias National Park







           a fish wheel used by local indigenous people

along the Richardson Highway


                            Worthington Glacier

These 4 shots were all taken from the same spot on the pass above Valdez - a breathtaking panorama.

approaching Valdez





misc

An indication of the challenge of the roads here is that even town of any size has a tow truck like this one.

                                                 

*   *   *   *   *

Wildlife sightings (not counting those in the conservation preserve or the aquarium)

--> --> today: trumpeter swans - 2 

--> --> trip total so far: 

    black bears - 4          deer - 2                grizzlies - 1            moose - 7

    stone sheep - 8        elk - 1                   caribou - 15            bison - 42    

    Dall sheep - 11        porcupines -1         mountain goats - 1

    trumpeter swans - 27+        many bald eagles    black oyster catcher - 1 (rare)

    sea otters - 11             harbor seals - many     

    many sea stars & jelly fish        Dall's porpoise - ~12

    North Pacific Humpback whales - 2 pods of ~ 12 each

    Stellar's sea lions - 100+ including 60 pups (counted by scientists)

    puffins, horned & tufted - many      

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