AUGUST 26, 2012-----VALDEZ, AK

Today we went on an historical bus tour of Valdez, Alaska.  Our bus driver has lived in Alaska for 25 years.  He gave us lots of facts about Valdez.  Valdez has one of the largest snowfalls in the world.  Last year they had in excess of 400 inches of snow. 

He also told us about the Good Friday Earthquake which hit on March 27, 1964.  It registered 9.2 on the Richter scale.  It was the most intense earthquake in North America.  It was felt statewide. Across south-central Alaska it collapsing structures, and caused tsunamis. Results from the earthquake caused about 143 deaths. Lasting nearly four minutes, it was the most powerful recorded earthquake in U.S. and North American history. The earthquake began at 5:36 P M. The epicenter of this awesome quake was a mere 45 miles west of Valdez and 14 miles under the earth's crust. Initial shocks lasting over five minutes affected nearly all of the coastal communities of Alaska.

 It produced a Tsunami that went all the way to Australia and down to Long Beach, Ca. where it took 13 lives.

He brought us by the Old Post Office site that had stood for only 2 years in the town of Valdez.  There was also a sign depicting the names of the lives lost in this earthquake.  In excess of 62 people were killed 19 of them children, and also leaving 40 children orphaned.

Right after the quake an Air National Guard plane took off and crashed killing 4 more people and leaving 12 more children orphaned.

After our tour of the town, he brought us for a ride to the fishery.  Lots of dead fish and seagulls.  One of the seagulls took its aim at Jesse. 

SEAGULLS POOPED ON JESSE

 On our way back we were lucky enough to see a few bears.

 BEAR  FISHING FOR SALMON

Below is a picture of the mountains in Valdez as the days sun is setting.  Beautiful scenery.  

VALDEZ

Tonight we had a pot luck.  Theme is Mexican.  Margaritas were supplied by the staff.  We had quite an assortment of dishes.  Everything was delicious.  Another great day with friends.

MEXICAN THEME POTLUCK