Monday, January 12, 2009

Trans-Alaska Pipeline


The 800-mile long Trans-Alaska Pipeline runs from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez with several places along it's route that offer close-up views to inquisitive visitors.

One such viewpoint and information area is located north of Fairbanks along the Steese Expressway. Here the the visitor can find extensive information on the history of the pipeline including interpretive signs, a paved trail that offers visitors a chance to walk alongside an elevated portion of the pipeline, and a small gift shop that offers books, postcards, t-shirts, and more.

To reach this viewing area, just drive north of Fairbanks on the Steese Expressway to milepost 8.4. Watch for signs and a turnout on the eastside of the highway. The Alyeska Pipeline Service Company operates a visitor center at the site which is open daily from May to September.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Valdez, Alaska



Looking for a great vacation spot? Want to fish for halibut, salmon and rockfish? Enjoy seeing wildlife such as the Humpback Whale, Puffins, Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Bears and much more? Then you should check out Valdez, Alaska!

I had the opportunity to make a 2-day trip to Valdez, Alaska last summer and had one of the most enjoyable trips I've ever had. Valdez is accessible by boat or highway, and sits on Prince William Sound. It is the southern terminus for the 800-mile long Alaska Pipeline and large ships regularly go in and out of the harbor.

This colorful small town is surrounded by steep, rugged mountains and beautiful views of Prince William Sound. There are plenty of hotels, good restaurants, stores for shopping, espresso shops, wonderful museums along with charter boats for fishing, and companies offering wildlife cruises. There are also camping areas, RV parks, hiking and biking trails, and a nice park for the kids.

One of the most enjoyable trips I took while there, was on the "LuLu Belle" a smaller vessel used for offering day cruises to view wildlife on and around Prince William Sound. Although there are a couple of companies offering these day trips - and both are excellent- I prefer the smaller ship that can get into the shallower waters and closer to shore. On our cruise we saw Humpback whales, Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Seals, Bald Eagles, Arctic Terns, Orca, Porpoise, and much, much more! That's not to mention the close-up views of glaciers, watching commercial fishing boats haul in their catch, and seeing the vast beauty of the Alaska shoreline. It was a trip that will be in my memory for a long time.

When going to Valdez, weather is very unpredictable. Make sure you dress in layers, bring a hat or have a hood on your jacket. Rain Gear is essential, although those that prefer to stay out of the weather can stay in the warm and comfortable seating in the main cabin. Bring lots of batteries for your digital cameras, and also lots of memory cards! There are plug-ins both inside and outside the ship, so you can use your batter chargers or download photos to a laptop.

If you are driving - make sure you go north of town to see the Valdez Glacier viewing area. Make sure to also stop by the RV park on the left as you turn onto the road that goes to the viewing area, to see nesting Bald Eagles. The area has a fence around it to protect the Eagles, but you can see them clearly and get some great photos.

For the fishermen, you can fish to your heart's content for Salmon, Halibut and many other types of saltwater fish, and there are plenty of companies to process your catch and ship it home for you.

I would highly recommend a trip to Valdez when planning your next vacation to Alaska. It is a small town with lots to offer!