Alaskan Brown

An Alaskan Brown Bear did put in an appearance at Anan Creek. He didn't worry about fishing in the rapids. He started downstream and was working his way up. Didn't appear to have a worry in the world just casually ambled up the stream slowly, grabbing a salmon here and there.

The best part is that I did get see an Alaskan Brown Bear in the wild. Something that isn't guaranteed when bear watching near Ketchikan.

The last photo in the post is a picture of the float plane landing to pick us up. There were two nice things about the plane, I got to sit up front on the way out and it had noise cancelling head phones and microphones for all of the passengers. The pilot told some interesting stories. 

The ADD Bear

He really has a name, I just don't remember what I was told. The poor fellow really has an attention problem. Twice, he grabbed a salmon, hauled it half way up the hill, and set it down. Turns out dropped salmon immediately start flopping towards the water. So, he lost his lunch twice. The first picture shows him looking down for lunch. The salmon had left by the time he looked.

Since, he is a two year old, he wanted to see/smell what we were. The viewing platform got circled a couple of times. Then he tried to just hop on up. The park ranger got a bit excited, put her arms up, and started saying "Down, Bear" in a stern voice. Other folks were looking for the broom and bear spray. He backup and wandered off.

Sounds like he does this regularly. Hopefully, he remembers to eat lunch and fattens up for the winter.

Black Bears of Anan

One of the things I did in Alaska was take a float plane trip to Anan Creek for bear viewing.

This really wasn't a meet and greet. The bears are there for salmon. The people are there to see bears.

Since it is on forest service land, it is very controlled which is probably best for all involved. Absolutely, no food past the landing point. It gets put in a locker for when you return. Water is allowed on the trail. This keeps the bears from associating people with food.

You get a briefing about good behavior with bears and are sent up the trail. The trail is easy walking being a board walk most of the way. It is about a 30 minute walk to the viewing area. My little group had a guide. Which is nice, you find out about such things as:
- The bears are picky about their salmon. Some only eat female salmon, tossing the males back.
- The bears often only eat the heads and stomachs leaving the rest for the scavengers.
- If a brown bear shows up the black bears slip back into the woods.
- The bears fish at rapids because it is hard for the fish to maneuver and avoid them.
- Cubs stay with their mom for two years.
- The two year olds are curious and often try to figure out what people are.
- Bears like to trap tourists in the outhouse by the viewing platform which amuses the other tourists.
- Bears have really bad eyesight but a fantastic sense of smell.
- If you walk as a group, bears perceive you as one big animal.

There was a blind below the viewing platform which visitors and sign up for a 30 minute time slot. This lets people get closer and take even more pictures.

Totems in Ketchikan

There are totem poles scattered around Ketchikan. Ketchikan supposedly has one of the largest collections of totem poles in the world. I spotted several of them while wandering around town. Starting with the one at the museum/library, which is by a bus stop and on one of the self guided walking tours.

Each figure has a meaning, from the watcher to the killer whale. If you understand them, they are full of information.

This one and the next one are outside the Totem Heritage Center.  I will admit I didn't go through the center.  If I had I could probably explain these totems.

Just hanging out near a business and satellite dish was this totem. I believe eagle is at the top above some watchers. Don't quote me.

I have no idea if the person knew parking there would lead to this photo or not.  So, is it a totem growing out of car or a totem packing car?

Alaska fishing

Recently, we spent a few days in Ketchikan, Alaska. The reason for the trip was fishing. I choose not to go out on the boat. We have run several experiments with boats and me. Rough water, fishing boats, and I aren't a good combinations. I have ended up being put below on a cushion before.




Instead of fishing, I wandered around Ketchikan one day. One of the features of the town is the creek that runs through it. From the different signs posted around. There was a salmon run up the creek. I couldn't tell if they still run or not. There a couple of nice rapids in the creek.

It was a pleasant walk. Just a few sprinkles. Which was pretty amazing given Ketchikan already had 14 feet of the average 13 foot rainfall. I did try to work a deal of trading some sunshine for rain.