Valdez

 Valdez. For me, the name brings to mind the environmental crisis that occurred with a ship at this location. The city marks the terminus of the Alaskan pipe line and and continues as an important location for the energy sector. There were no options to view such operations which is the way it goes when traveling on cruise ships which may or may not provide the opportunity to see what you might want to see.

We did get off the ship just to explore the small community and found some interesting things to photograph and explore. 

Fishing, both commercial and sport, is an important industry in Alaska and Valdez harbor hosts many boats committed to this industry. We happen to see several signs describing seasonal and weekly record catches. I don’t understand the notion of a derby, but signs asking fisherpeople to sign up for the derby were quite visible. I am guessing those engaged in recreational fishing can participate and there are likely seasonal and weekly prices. The seasonal Halibut leader weighed in at 264 pounds. The top fish of the week was 240 so the Halibut are still biting. I found it interesting the variety of states from which the recreational leaders came. No Alaskans on the board. 

I am always on the lookout for interesting coffee shops. The Coffee Company reminded me of the Coffee Company in Grand Forks, ND, was the first shop I visited repeatedly and worked in often.