We just got off the smallest plane I've ever flown in my life. A very tight squeeze for 6 passengers in a Cesna. AFter a few moments of hysteria when we got into the plane, I calmed down for our flight to go see the bears and volcanos across the Cook Inlet.
The plane trip itself wasn't too scary, other than when we headed over the mountains/volcanoes and the winds threw us around a bit. Our pilot said that the winds were really calm today, so we were getting a very smooth ride (somewhat unusual for this area, it seems).
We landed on a few beaches to watch bears clamming. Since the salmon aren't running here (summer came late to most of Alaska, delaying much of the salmon runs), the bears are digging up razor clams to eat instead of salmon. We got very up close and personal with a couple of bears on their way down to the beach to get some lunch. I somehow got put in charge of the 2nd bear flare (along with our pilot), and I was very thankful that we didn't need it (had the bears thought we were a threat and charged us, I would have needed to discharge the flare to keep them away). I am much more wary of these bears than any of the animals we encountered on our safari in Africa, though I'm sure I would have been just as wary (if not moreso) had we been on foot in Africa instead of in our safari vehicles.
The plane trip itself wasn't too scary, other than when we headed over the mountains/volcanoes and the winds threw us around a bit. Our pilot said that the winds were really calm today, so we were getting a very smooth ride (somewhat unusual for this area, it seems).
We landed on a few beaches to watch bears clamming. Since the salmon aren't running here (summer came late to most of Alaska, delaying much of the salmon runs), the bears are digging up razor clams to eat instead of salmon. We got very up close and personal with a couple of bears on their way down to the beach to get some lunch. I somehow got put in charge of the 2nd bear flare (along with our pilot), and I was very thankful that we didn't need it (had the bears thought we were a threat and charged us, I would have needed to discharge the flare to keep them away). I am much more wary of these bears than any of the animals we encountered on our safari in Africa, though I'm sure I would have been just as wary (if not moreso) had we been on foot in Africa instead of in our safari vehicles.
I'm not sure I'm eager to hop back on a tiny plane again so soon, but it was a unique perspective to see so many bears roaming in the pastures and woods across the inlet from Homer (where we're currently based).
(This picture is of the top of Mt. Iliamna poking out above the clouds. Where we were.)
Homer itself is an interesting place. Populated by many hippies in the 60s, it's known as an artist community, as well as the halibut capital of the world. For those who have been wondering if I'd eat any fish while up in Alaska, you'll be happy to know that I've learned that I like halibut. Mostly deep fried (like fish and chips) but will also eat it grilled. Salmon is still growing on me, and the king crabs aren't in season so we haven't tried any yet.
In any case, Homer is the end of the road, literally. You can't go any further on the Kenai peninsula, so many travelers and new residents end up here. I've never seen so many RV parks in my life as on the Kenai, and in Homer in particular.
2 comments:
Good for you and learning to like the fish!!!
Mmm... fish... sounds so good! You've had quite a few adventures! Can't wait to see pics when you're back (and do hope your missing articles make it to Erin and back to you hastily!)
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