Earthquake!

Most people think of oil pipeline when they hear Valdez (“Valdeez”).  They may think of the Exon Valdez and the spill that happened over 20 years ago, but what most people don’t think about was the largest earthquake that has ever struck the US.  In 1964 a 9.25 magnitude quake struck about 40 miles from Valdez.  The city had been built on an alluvial plane that literally fell into the sea.  It was so bad that they condemned the entire town and moved it about one half mile to its present location.  Many of the houses and commercial buildings were literally put on wheels and moved.

Today we visited two museums dedicated to the restoration of Valdez.  After the museums we ventured over to a Salmon hatchery hoping to catch a glimpse of fish swimming up fish ladders.  Supposedly we might even see bears that are also interested in the spawning fish.  All we got to see were some sea gulls nesting under the bridge.  Oh well, on to see a couple more waterfalls.

We did some fine eating as usual.  Lunch was shrimp, halibut and brats.  Excellent fare that was surpassed only by supper of the Great American ribs that Rick Mahmood supplied for our trip.  Thanks Rick!

Horsetail Falls

Bridal Veil Falls