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Valdez, Alaska
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Find an Alaskan Cruise Now! |
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Introduction to Valdez
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Gorgeous Valdez is set in the picturesque Prince
William Sound in Southeast Alaska. It is a region bursting with life and filled
with magnificent historical sights and museums. In 1989, an Exxon oil tanker,
the Exxon Valdez, ran aground on the Bligh Reef and lost 11 million gallons of
oil in the Prince William Sound. Unfortunately, the Exxon Valdez oil spill still
taints the image of Valdez. The entire area was affected; cities, animals, and
shoreline suffered. In the years following the spill, tourists began to shy away
from Valdez a bit, perhaps from fear of being exposed to harmful fumes or
because of other residual effects of the spill. But the $2 billion dollar
cleanup operation proved quite effective. The total cleanup took more than three
years, and during this time, though tourism declined, the population of the city
tripled, because of the thousands of workers hired for the reconstructive work
along the shores of the Prince William Sound. On completion of the cleanup
project, many of the workers who had temporarily moved to Valdez stayed after
falling in love with this beautiful town. Since the early 1990?s, tourism has
really come back strong in Valdez. Its resurgence is partly due to the great
fishing, exceptional hiking trials, and the fact that more snow falls in Valdez
than anywhere in Alaska, making for great skiing. The average annual snowfall is
an unbelievable 330 inches. The campsites are simple but wonderful, and the
scenery is spectacular. Downtown Valdez is lively in a uniquely Alaskan way. The
absence of clubs and casinos is offset by the area's relaxing atmosphere,
wonderful weather, and breathtaking scenery. Valdez is a wholesome,
old-fashioned town with happy-go-lucky residents and an exquisite landscape that
combine to offer visitors a memorable time. |
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