Sailing Into Valdez, Alaska | A Childhood Dream Comes True

For as long as Audrey can remember, she dreamed of one day arriving in Valdez, Alaska by sea. She grew up in this small coastal town surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, fishing boats, and the working waterfront. Every time she watched vessels enter Port Valdez, she imagined what it would feel like to someday return the same way. She just never imagined that dream would come true aboard an 80-foot steel schooner she now calls home, with her family of 7 aboard. In this episode, The Alaskan Gypsy finally cruises through the breathtaking Valdez Narrows into Audrey's hometown. Along the way we pass the Alyeska Pipeline Terminal, commercial fishing docks, oil response vessels, waterfalls cascading down the Chugach Mountains, and the harbor where family waits on the dock to welcome us. One of the most meaningful moments comes as we pass Steve Cotter Way, a road named in honor of Audrey's late father for his decades of service to the Valdez waterfront. It's a reminder that while life has taken us on incredible adventures, some places never stop feeling woven into who you are. After spending a few unforgettable days reconnecting with family and friends, we head into the stunning Shoup Bay State Marine Park, where we hike toward Shoup Glacier. Returning after more than a decade reveals just how dramatically the glacier has changed, offering a powerful reminder of Alaska's ever-changing landscapes. Join us as we continue exploring Alaska aboard our 80-foot steel schooner, sharing the beauty, challenges, and unexpected moments of life afloat. If you enjoy Alaska, sailing, glaciers, wildlife, liveaboard life, and authentic family adventures, we'd love to have you along for the journey. In this episode: • Sailing through the Valdez Narrows • Arriving in Port Valdez aboard The Alaskan Gypsy • Audrey's childhood dream comes true • Steve Cotter Way and honoring Audrey's father • Family reunion in Valdez • Exploring Shoup Bay State Marine Park • Hiking toward Shoup Glacier • Witnessing dramatic glacier retreat • Life aboard an 80-foot steel schooner in Alaska #alaska #valdez #valdezalaska #shoupglacier #princewilliamsound #liveaboard #boatlife #sailing #thealaskangypsy #glacier #travelalaska #chugachmountains #alaskatravel #offgrid #familyadventure Chapters 00:00 I've Dreamed of This Since I Was a Child 00:14 Entering the Valdez Narrows 01:44 My Hometown Comes Into View 02:23 Port Valdez & the Alyeska Pipeline 04:18 The Story Behind the Viking Venus 05:15 Arriving at Valdez Harbor 08:05 Steve Cotter Way & My Dad's Legacy ❤️ 09:51 Family Time & Building a Greenhouse 11:40 Leaving Valdez for Shoup Bay 12:18 Returning to Shoup Glacier After 11 Years 13:16 The Glacier Has Changed So Much 15:09 Searching for a Way to the Ice 16:51 Hiking Toward Shoup Glacier 18:41 Glacier Ice Up Close