As much as we hated to say "so long" to the Kenai Peninsula we found that we must. We're heading out to Denali National Park. It is a last ditch effort to locate a live and breathing MOOSE for Dianne. In well over a week now we have yet to see one. Actually, Denali was in our plans to begin with.
So today we leave Ninilchik, and its just as well because Bob still can't pronounce it. You should hear his attempts though, some are side splitters.
We were all pretty quiet going up the road for no particular reason. Between moose spotting, reading and just enjoying the scenery there wasn't a whole lot to say.
So I won't say much here, I'll just share some scenery shots with you.
Morning mist.
The day finally cleared down the road a ways.
Our first idea was to get as far as Wasilla today since this is going to be a trip split between two days. Wasilla came too easily and it was still early so we decided to go a little bit further. Well, a little bit turned out to be only 26 miles because we found a campground right on Willow Creek and it had FISH in it. Pink Salmon to be exact. Worked for BOB!
So we pulled into the Willow Creek RV Resort and were lucky enough to get a pull thru site so we didn't even have to unhook. That's always a plus when one is in traveling mode.
Dianne and I walked down to the creek running right behind our rig and we could see all kinds of fish! All lined up pretty as you please waiting their turn to go upstream. It wasn't a deep creek at all and in some places we could see their backs as they swam through the really shallow parts. Bob was talking with a neighbor and I couldn't wait for him to see this!
We walked back up to tell him what we found and he says, "You two have to hear this!" He then looked at our neighbor to take up the conversation. It seems our neighbor, I didn't catch his name, had a close encounter of the bear kind. On day four of their vacation he and his wife went on a hike that was recommended to them by a lady who worked in the Sodoltna Visitor's Center. So off they go and not too far into the hike he was taking a picture of a bird that his wife wanted. Suddenly she yelled BEAR!! and when he turned to look he stumbled when he saw how close the bear and her cubs actually were. So he's laying on the ground and the bear walks over to him. Instinct told him to roll over and cover his head with his arms. The bear grabbed his lower leg in its mouth and started to drag. Of course the teeth had to go in to do this. He must have screamed in pain and his wife then jumped into action running towards the bear, arms waving, screaming for all she's worth. It certainly got the bears attention and he let go and backed up a bit. She didn't stop and the bear took her cubs and got outta Dodge. No way was this bear going to deal with THAT! Of course a trip to the hospital was in order and he's patched and bandaged and he's now going to be fine. Needless to say it has put a damper on their hiking plans....FOREVER. I can't say I blame them. I don't understand people who hike in the bear's backyards, it belongs to THEM, not US, its their home. If I hiked, and I don't, no way would I go into an area that has signs posted for bears. Same with shark infested waters. If you choose to swim or dive in shark infested waters and you get eaten....who is to blame? I'm going to move on or this will turn into a real rant.
So we finally get Bob down to see the water and he practically started salivating when he peered into the creek. FISH!
Di and I walked up to the office/deli as we wanted to check out the "subs" they advertised. Subs. Try as she might, this lady had no idea what a sub is. These were turkey sandwiches on a roll with lettuce (whole leaves) and tomato, nothing more. The world will be a better place when Capriotti's is in every state and better yet, every city. In MY dreams!
When Di and I returned Bob had the fishing pole out. He was putting the hook on and he told us to listen for him to yell for the net if he got one. One? How about forty, give or take? He was catching and releasing one right after the other.
Willow Creek.
Dianne even brought a nice sized one in.
We all had the chance to bring one in.
A little later back at the house we had a visitor. A few hints: Animal, brown fur, no fear, hungry, VERY HUNGRY! I bet you are thinking bear...right?
These rabbits are all over the place. Well, actually, we saw about a half dozen but they have no fear of humans.
Tomorrow? About a three hour drive the rest of the way into Denali.
Until then....
1 comment:
The guy must have been wearing bear bells! Barb
Post a Comment