Before this journey, the only thing I knew about Valdez was the Exxon oil spill that occurred in 1989. I hadn’t even thought to visit, figuring that the impact on the bay would still be visible. But as we traveled north, people kept mentioning how beautiful Valdez was and that we shouldn’t miss it.

Not only is Valdez one of the most beautiful harbors we’ve visited, it seems to have a very resilient population. We were not aware that Valdez was totally destroyed in the 1964  9.2 earthquake and decided to rebuild 4 miles west on more stable land.

The locals have mixed feelings about oil – many shudder remembering the oil spill and the impact on their environment – but feel grateful for the business that the oil brings to their community. We were told that here are many beaches that still have oil on them, or slightly under the surface rocks. It will be many more years before the impact of the oil spill will be realized.

Regardless, Valdez is “even  a community that natures loves best.” The drive on the Richardson Highway into Valdez is spectacular and our last glacier and wildlife cruise in the Prince William Sound helped demonstrate the surrounding pleasures of living there.