This
is our last big stop before starting the return trip to the Lower-48.
The Route
We continued eastbound on Glenn Highway (AK-1) to Glennallen where
we connected with Richardson Highway (AK-4) and took it south to Valdez. It was
a 197 mile trip.
About the Day
The morning was sunny and warm. Clouds started to descend on the
mountains by early afternoon. The mountaintops were engulfed by clouds by 2pm
and it rained lightly as we approached Valdez.
Along the Way
It’s no mystery. Alaska is mountainous. Snow covered mountains
appear in every scene.
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| Chugach Mountains from Glenn Highway |
Wrangell – St. Elias
National Park Preserve is the nation’s largest national park. It holds 9 of
the 16 tallest peaks in the U.S.
 |
| These Wrangell Mountains look like a mirage as we drive toward Glennallen |
 |
| Delicate flowers help brighten the day. |
 |
| Cleaning widows for pictures |
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| Wrangell Mountains get clearer approaching Glennallen |
We turned south at Glennallen and enjoyed one of “America’s Most
Scenic Roads”. The drive provides breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls,
towering mountains and incredible scenery. Unfortunately, the bugs and the weather didn’t cooperate
with Carol’s picture taking plans.
Observation ... Richardson Highway doesn’t seem to get the maintenance attention
afforded Alaska’s other primary highways. The road surface is rough in many places and
frost heaves and dips aren’t marked. It needs to be driven with care.
Worthington Glacier is one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers.
It was raining when we passed. We’ll go back.
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| Worthington Glacier |
We climbed above many snow fields and into the clouds as we
crossed Thompson Pass at 2,805 feet. With an average snowfall of 551.5 inches
per year, it’s the snowiest place in Alaska. Visibility was about 4 car-lengths for a short while.
The descent to Valdez is long and steep. It should be an
interesting pull when we leave.
 |
| Heading down from Thompson Pass |
The Campground
We’re camped in Site #302 at Eagle’s
Rest RV Park in downtown Valdez. There are three other campgrounds in the
area.
Tomorrow
We’ll explore Valdez.
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