Denali, AK through Canada

Valdez-detour

It was an impromptu decision, and I am happy I made it!  For years, I have encouraged people to visit Valdez.  I remembered it as a beautiful Alaskan city, although details were "stuck" in the not-easily-recalled-without-a visual-hint recesses of my memory.  (Be fair; it was almost 20 years ago!)

Matt and I loved the drive into and out of Valdez on Hwy 4 (Richardson Hwy).  We saw numerous glaciers and waterfalls--gorgeous!

Worthington Glacier outside of Valdez

Horsetail Waterfall

Lowe River running snug against the road

The mountains going into Valdez hugged both the road and the river...

While driving in, there was enough mist/fog that I felt impelled to sing The Magical Mystery Tour.  (Nope, Matt was not impressed.)

Unfortunately, we only stayed the one night.  We will explore the magic of the place again...

Matt's favorite bird--Raven
This "dude" seemed a permanent resident on that wicker chair.
Interestingly, but clearly not intelligently, it perfectly imitated a gobbling turkey.
(The window looks into the campground kitchen/cafe...)

Fall foliage driving through the Yukon

Spotting animals

Matt LOVES this part of traveling long hours--getting money for spying animals before his Mom sees them!

Looking, looking, looking

Spotted you--Mom!

Grand bison

So far, we have seen four bison herds (and a few lone bulls), three moose, and a caribou.  AND, Matt, has earned $7.00!

"The first snow storm in Canada!"  (as declared on a local radio station.)
Weren't we lucky!!!  Happy first "snow day"!

The trees still had all their leaves...