Post date: Jul 6, 2016 6:18:13 AM
I woke up at Base Camp, and not a creature was stirring. Not even a mouse. Really, all the folks hanging in McCarthy like to sleep in I guess. I packed up camp and rode back into town for some breakfast at The Potato. They make a mean chorizo burrito - it's all house made.
Then, it was off to Valdez, but first, I had to ride the McCarthy Road back to Chitina.
What I didn't consider was I had filled up about 70 miles north of Chitina. Then, I rode to McCarthy, another 60 miles. Then, I had to ride back 60 miles. Then, it was another 120 miles to Valdez. I had to use my spare fuel can and arrived in Valdez on fumes.
Valdez is at one end of the Richardson Highway. It's also the end of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. Heading south, about 50 miles outside of town, the road becomes really scenic as you approach the Worthington Glacier and onwards to the Thompson Pass. North of there though, the road is largely garbage in more than one respect.
The Worthington Glacier is really cool because you can hike right up to it. Literally. You can even walk on top of it, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you know what you're doing.
Before entering Valdez, you have to pass through Keystone Canyon. It is really beautiful with a few waterfalls to be seen including Bridal Viel Falls and Horsetail Falls.
The town of Valdez is really small actually. I arrived on 04 JUL, and the town was all abuzz with festivities. I stumbled upon a local ampitheatre where a band was playing and volunteers were serving free burgers and all the fixin's. Bonus! It was a great time, but I didn't make it to the fireworks. You see, I'm in the land of the midnight sun. Sunset was at 0200, and sunrise was at 0217. I didn't figure fireworks in the daylight would be that impressive. I was tired anyways, so I crashed.