I got a little banged up last night with some of the locals and my early departure from Valdez did not happen this morning. By the time I got my kayak packed up the weather had gotten bad and the thought of paddling into a strong headwind with breaking waves hung over did not really appeal to me. I’m now chilling in Valdez still waiting for the winds to die down which usually happens in the evening so I can bail. I will not be taking any shots of tequila tonight now matter who buys it for me!
On special days I really treat myself, like on this great sunny evening in Port Gravina. Spam mixed into cheddar broccoli pasta is some gourmet eaten for me!
Bald Eagles line the shores looking down for the next meal as a paddle on by, they keep me company and are always there.
At times I felt like I was the only person in the world as I was paddling or camping in some remote bay. I did not see many people or boats out there which was perfect.
On the way into Valdez I made the paddle and spent a night at Shoup glacier. When I leave Valdez tomorrow I will be going directly to the Columbia glacier which is far bigger and I’m really looking forward to exploring it.
Often when it’s really socked in the water is very calm and the low light can give the area a peaceful, moody feeling that can produce some nice shots.
The Salmon are not up in the streams and back bays yet so the bears are feeding on some of the grass along the meadows and banks. I was lucky to find this mother Grizzly with her 3 cubs as well as a mother Black bear with 2 cubs in this one bay.
Good light is very hard to come by in the sound, this photo was taken as the weather was clearing and I had some blue sky for a few hours. The weather has been great for the area with calm seas but the sun does not come out too often.
I have arrived in Valdez in desperate need of a shower and some ice cream. The trip could not have gone better thus far, it’s been amazing. I feel like I have already seen so much from Bears and the amazing wildlife to secluded coves with towering mountains it has blown my mind. I’m spending a day in Valdez to get clean and fatten up before I head back out and I will post some more photos and info.
The photo above is from a feeder stream of the Copper river about 50 miles from Cordova. We made the drive up to the end of the road yesterday and went for a little hike. Did not see any Bears along the way but saw lot’s of birds including Bald Eagles, Beaver, Moose, Porcupine, and some amazing landscape. Today I have been packing up my gear and doing last minute errands in town. Stopped by the Eyak Corp office to get permission to camp on Eyak land and I think I’m about ready to go. Can’t wait to start paddling, it’s drizzling and foggy out there which is great paddling weather!!
