Finally Bites

It was a calculated risk, but a welcome change of pace from the crazy times - a week without cellular, wifi, and news. After 7 of my workshops had cancelled due to the pandemic, my second Alaska trip in mid-July was a go. To reduce risks, we rearranged flights and altered the itinerary, following all guidelines and mandates. Once everyone was tested before our arrival in Alaska, the 7 of us headed straight to the remote lodge and into our "bear bubble," where Covid-19 protocols were followed. The outstanding staff was delighted to finally have guests! The first day, we flew out to Hallo Bay, located within Katmai National Park and Preserve. Hallo Bay stretches for some 7 largely sandy miles at the base of the Aleutian volcanoes on the Pacific Coast. Renown for it beautiful mountains and brown bears, it did not disappoint. 

This large boar had been on this whale carcass for over three weeks. He had done a brilliant job of leaving no scrap behind. In fact, when we hiked back by the carcass in the afternoon, he had finally stopped licking his plate, given up and left.

The inland bears of Denali or Yellowstone are referred to as grizzlies, while those on the coasts are known as brown bears, coastal brown bears, or coastal grizzlies.