Saturday, September 29, 2012

I am NOT ready!!!

Sept. 29th and the snow although lightly, fell yesterday for the first time. This morning we woke up to 28 degrees F. Snow predicted for this afternoon and tomorrow. The mountain tops around us are filling with snow.  I am just not ready to settle in and hibernate yet. ugh!!! I think it's going to be another long, cold winter.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Geographic Harbor




  We have been anchored in one of the most stunningly beautiful places on planet earth for the last 3 weeks. It is surrounded by mountains with snow in spots and a lot of ash areas very visible.The ash is from the 1912 eruption of Mt. Katmai. The natural beauty of this location is a draw for people from all over the world, but the real attraction are the Coastal Grizzly bears.

Every morning and many nights we can hear them roar as they defend their fishing catch from another bear. It was not unusual for us to see up to 17 bears on the beach at any time of the day.
We  had some unexpected treats in this anchorage, sea plane pilots from two different agencies  came to visit, dinner  with a tour group from Coastal Explorer and land excursions with groups -safer to view up close bears with large groups.

We had several close encounters with bears, in fact so close that both the guide and Jim took out bear spray, fire arms and I had flares ready to go. Both times it was the cubs that became too inquisitive and decided to investigate our groups, both times just standing was enough to sent them on their way and back to mom. This location is so well visited by bear viewers that the bears just go about their business of catching fish and do they ever catch fish. Every method used from pouncing to stepping  on, to viewing underwater then grabbing was used. What ever gets the job done.

Jim went halibut fishing and came back with dinner for a few days of feasting.

Alaska holds so much for anyone interested in wildlife, fishing, hunting or general beauty.