Day 37 Homer, AK

August 5^th - Thursday

Today, “Grizzly-day", was the Highlight of Peter's Alaska Trip

Peter and William took a bear-viewing trip to Katmai National Park with Homer Air (one of six or so flight-seeing business out of Homer.)

They landed on the sand beach of Hallo Bay in a Cessna-206 (for you airplane-buffs) avoiding logs on the slanted beach.

Aerial View of the Homer Spit Harbor

Aerial view

The sulfur-smelling crater lake of Mt. Douglas - still an active volcano! Notice no snow on the lower right side.

Aerial view

Kaguyak Crater much larger than Douglas Crater but not an active volcano.

Hallo Bay looking towards the mountains.

"Blondie"

The pilot/guide, Scooter, was so familiar with the bears, he had names for them and remembers how old their cubs are. One of the guides was always located between the bear and the group of viewing tourists. A mother bear is protective of her babies – just like us humans!

Trying to catch a fish.

Bear-1 on the left will attempt to steal the fish

Bear-2 in the middle is fishing

Bear-3 on right is going to need to protect his fish

The Fish-fight!

This wolf was lurking in the area.

Grizzly bears need to eat a lot in the summer and fall in order to build up sufficient fat reserves for surviving the hibernation period.

A bunch of Bear Pics to follow!

Another attempt to steal the caught-fish!

They are omnivores which means they will eat both vegetation and animals.

Bear paw (left) - Wm's Foot (right)

In Alaska, there are thought to be over 30,000 grizzly bears but only 1,000-1,200 in the lower 48 states.

Grizzlies are normally solitary animals but in the coastal areas they congregate alongside waters during the salmon spawn.

The largest populations are found in coastal areas where weights are as much as 1,200 lbs. Populations found in Katmai National Park and the Alaskan Peninsula may approach or just exceed 1,500 lbs.

"I love you!"
Cubs will remain with their mothers for at least 2 - 4 years.

"Be Gentle!"

"Lets take a walk!"

The end of an exhausting Day of fishing!

A Few more Facts:

The word "grizzly"refers to the "grizzled" or gray hairs in its fur.

People traveling in groups of six or more can significantly reduce the chance of bear-related injuries while hiking in bear country.

Pics from the flight back.

Cracks in the mountain snow.

The plane's shadow in the clouds.

Downward view.
Not sure what the orientation should be???

That's All!