Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Ynez Valley
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Saturday, July 28, 2012

Valdez - Part 1

After exploring the Wrangell-St. Elias roads, we headed down to Valdez.  When we visited Valdez in 2005, it was socked in and we never saw the mountains, so we hoped for better weather during this visit.

On the way down to Valdez the highway passes near to the terminus of the Worthington Glacier.



Closer to Valdez the highway passes by many waterfalls.

Bridalveil Falls


Horsetail Falls



We had heard that there was a brown bear (grizzly) sow with 4 cubs (very uncommon) being seen near the Solomon Gulch Hatchery a few miles from Valdez.  She was often fishing for salmon returning to the fishery.











Also preying on the salmon were many Steller Sea Lions.
 
 
The sea lions would often tear the salmon apart by violently swinging their heads.
 
 

With salmon being flung about, the sea gulls were always looking for loose bits to eat.




And the Bald Eagles were also looking for an easy meal.



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