June 21st to 26th - Seward/Valdez

June 21st - Thurs - Seward
We aren’t sure how long we will be staying here and a caravan is arriving on Sunday to take over the spot where we are camped. So we have been watching for someone to leave the waterfront row. Terry spotted someone packing up so I went with a lawn chair to reserve the spot and then helped pack up so we could put in the slides and move. We discovered that we can pack up very quickly! So now we have a “waterfront lot” - lovely view!
Clem & Marlene, Larry & Barb and we went for a drive and walk to Exit Glacier. Some higher trails were flooded and we did not want to get our feet wet so just walked to the bottom of the glacier. Did a little more sightseeing with the group and then we went to the library so I could post to the blog. I also got some halibut recipes from Marv’s website and picked up a couple of ingredients. Clem & Marlene fixed some halibut (boiled in water with sugar & salt added, dip in melted butter) and shared it with all of us. VERY good! I had put together one of Diane’s recipes so we shared it with Clem & Marlene for the rest of dinner.

June 22nd - Friday - Seward
We were rudely woke up this morning by inconsiderate neighbors packing up to move at 5:10 am. Their diesel pickup ran until they actually left at 5:45! The rig next to them pulled out right after they did. I told Terry that we should call Clem & Marlene as they were hoping for a front row spot because their current spot is in the caravan area. We figured no one would be coming in that early so thought we would call later. A little bit later, Terry heard something and someone had put a chair out to save the spot next to us. Terry threw on some clothes and parked our truck in the vacant spot while I called Clem (now close to 6:30). They used the opportunity to dump their holding tanks and moved in a couple spots down from us.
Larry & Barb left this morning to head for Valdez. We went exploring and shopping this afternoon. I just finished putting together a chicken casserole for dinner when Marlene came over to ask us to join them for some of their delicious halibut for dinner. We played a few games of dice after dinner.

June 23rd - Sat - Seward
We went fishing again today with Marv, Diane, Steve, Renee, Steve & Renee’s daughter and her husband (Jessica & David). It was rainy and cold all day. Terry caught the only halibut. We caught 30 “rock fish” (a type of cod) which are really fun because when you hit a school everyone gets fish on at the same time. Also got 2 quillbacks, a true cod and a flounder. We did some sightseeing too as Renee, Jessica and David did not fish. We got right up to the base of a glacier that came down to the water and watched it calve for a bit. We kept one fillet from the halibut and fillets from a couple of the rock fish and gave the rest to Marv & Diane.
We were so cold and wet when we got back that we made hot rum and went and visited with Clem & Marlene for a while before making dinner and hitting the sack early.

June 24th - Sunday - to Palmer
We are heading to Valdez but it is quite a long trip for one day so we decided to stop at the PA park (save money when we can!!) in Palmer where we stayed previously. I needed to pick up some groceries and wanted to avoid the high prices like I had to pay in Seward. I also took the opportunity to wash the smelly jackets that we wore fishing.

June 25th - Mon - to Valdez
The scenery on the drive from Palmer to Glenellen and then to Valdez is incredible. The clouds lifted for a while so we could see all the mountains but unfortunately came down again so we missed some. I am sure everyone will be tired of mountain pictures anyhow!
We stopped for fuel in Glenellen and I made a late breakfast. Terry visited the visitor info center and was told about a spot 14 miles down the road where a lot of sockeye salmon were being caught. We took a slight detour and saw a lot of people fishing but decided to fish on the way back since Larry & Barb were expecting us.
After setting up and relaxing for a bit, Larry took us on a quick tour of the town (doesn’t take long!) and we stopped at the Elk’s club for a drink. I had them make a Brave Bull for me (tequila and Kahlua for anyone who does not know me well!) and they made it in the same size highball glass that they used for Bloody Marys. When Terry ordered another round he included a second drink for me - mistake! I somehow got ribs ready to boil and Terry took over while I had a nap. Amazingly, I was OK by the time the ribs were done and made Texas toast and ate dinner.

June 26th - Tues - Valdez
Larry & Barb went on a glacier tour today. We used the rare RV park that allows vehicle washing (the one we are staying in) to wash both the 5th wheel and the truck. We had some pretty stubborn bugs on the 5th wheel.
Went browsing through the town and then found a spot where we could pick up some wood for a campfire tonight. Hate spending $5 for a very small bundle of firewood.
Beautiful day today - sunny and breezy. Our campsite is right on the water again and I have been watching a couple of sea otters bobbing around just off the shore behind us.