Today we went to Brooks Falls in the Katmai National Park. You may not recognize this by name but when you click on the photo link and look at the pictures you will probably recognize the scenes. THIS WAS AN ABSOLUTELY AWESOME DAY !!!! I know we’ve said this about MANY things thus far, but imagine wandering through a habitat occupied by more than 4000 bears. Each year millions of salmon burst from the Bering Sea into the lakes and streams of Katmai National Park. These fish provide a food source for the world's largest population of brown bears. You are a guest in their home and MUST abide by their rules and adhere to strict behaviors that give the bear absolute freedom and right-of-way.
We started our day by taking a floatplane flight from Homer to Naknek Lake. After a brief orientation (to acquaint us with proper bear etiquette) we hiked a short distance to Brooks Falls. We had already encountered bears on the beach. We had to delay docking of the floatplane until the sow and her calves vacated the area. Remember, bears have absolute right-of-way. Upon arrival at the Falls we were awe-struck by the sight of more than 20 Grizzly (Brown) Bears. In the summer, North America’s largest land predators gather at these Falls and the surrounding streams to feast on salmon runs, build weight from the wealth of protein and fat, and prepare for the coming long winter. There were many female (sows) with their cubs (babies) and many large male (boars) present. Their many techniques of “fishing”, as well as a large variety of posturing, positioning, growling and even fighting, was unbelievable. We were within 15-20 feet sometimes as the bears walked past our platform to the stream. We literally could smell their musky odor. It was one of the most incredible experiences we have ever encountered. A grizzly is a majestic animal and it was both exciting and humbling for us to be privileged to share their world.
We have dedicated this entire Blog posting to Brooks Falls, because it certainly deserves the undivided attention. Click on the link below and view some of the amazing sights that we were privileged to share.
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Sbs27hoxZMNK¬ag=1
Over the last few days we have been salmon, trout and halibut fishing; ALL with success. The next Blog post will share those experiences.
We are here in Homer for three more days and then it’s on to Cooper Landing.
Take care and stay safe,
P&J
4 comments:
Hello! I am so sad because I do not have the picture link!! I wanted to see more bears!! Oh well I will check back later and maybe it will be there! We miss you so much!! We hope you continue to have a trip of a lifetime!! Be safe and we will see you soon!!!
I agree with Erin, please put up the picture link.
(You did not take the photo of the bear catching the salmon, did you???)
Wow! That is awesome. Amazing photos. Thank you for sharing. Looks like this was the #1 day!
You did take that picture! All of the photos are just amazing! What a great photo journal you're creating.
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