Valdez, due to the large amount of snow they receive, is considered the Land of Waterfalls in the spring and summer, when the snow begins to melt. Driving south on the Richardson Highway towards Valdez is a beautiful drive. We had our first glacier sighting, right from the road. The Worthington Glacier is considered to be the most accessible glacier in Alaska, since it is visible right from the highway.

This is the photo I took as we were driving by in our motorhome.

Continuing down the highway into Valdez, you will pass through Keystone Canyon, which has many waterfalls.

When the Kennecott Mine started operating, several cities tried to build a railroad, including Valdez. Unfortunately there were too many companies in the area fighting for the rights. And in true “Wild West” fashion, a gunfight took place, and the route was never finished. We stopped to explore the tunnel that was partially finished.

After we were all settled in to Valdez, we drove back out to the Worthington Glacier to see it up close. But honestly, I thought the initial view of it driving in was the best view, as you could see the ice fields surrounding it. Below is a view from the overlook in the parking lot. Compare that to the one above on our drive in.

There is a walking path towards the glacier, and you can see the glacier lake that has formed from the melting over the years.

Zoomed in photos of the glacier. Notice the blue ice.

Quote of the day: “Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” – John Ruskin