SUMMER CAMP HAINES ALASKA 2009

THE END!!

2009-09-27T22:20:00.001-07:00

This is the end of our adventure. Thanks for following! Dena & Bob.

SEPTEMBER 20 SUNDAY

2009-09-27T22:14:00.001-07:00

Up early and hit the road. Stopped for breakfast along the way. Got home about noon. 5 1/2 days, total miles 1,896. (The Cassiar shortens the trip!).

SEPTEMBER 19 SATURDAY

2009-09-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

Left camp at 7:15. Passed 108 Mile House. This is a nice stop with buildings that have been preserved. Worth stopping to see. You can see pictures on last years blog. The terrain changed today. Lots of horses and cattle and massive hay fields. Many old houses and buildings like you would see on a puzzle. Got fuel at Cache Creek. 93 cents a litre. Lunch along the road and then through the Fraser Canyon past Gold Pan Campground on the Thompson River. Past Hells Gate Canyon. This is also worth stopping at. There is a tram down to the river below. See pictures on last years blog. Finally saw another Mountie at Hope which is 50 miles from the U.S. Border. (The first Rambo movie was filmed in Hope.) Crossed the US border at 3:15. Got gas in Bellingham, Washington $3.01 per gallon. Stopped for the night at the rest stop north of Seattle.

SEPTEMBER 18 FRIDAY

2009-09-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

Left Meziadin Provincial Park at 7:45. Finally saw a black bear on Highway 37. It rained most of the day. We got fuel in Quesnel and in Houston. Had lunch at A&W in Houston. Been in Canada now for 4 days and finally saw an RCMP (Mountie) about 50 miles east of Prince George. And, finally saw a moose standing in a pond about 20 miles north of Quesnel. Rained all day . Stopped at Roberts Roost RV Park north of Quesnel at 5:30. High winds and rain tonight, lost power in the park for about 2 hours. Ran to the showers when the lights came on. 483 miles today.

SEPTEMBER 17 THURSDAY

2009-09-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

Left Dease River Crossing at 7:15 and continued down the Cassiar Highway. The moose hunters are everywhere. No bears today either. We saw 6 grouse, 1 chipmunk, and 1 hawk. Pretty sad. Topped off the tank at Dease Lake $1.10 per litre. Fuel is far and few between and you have to plan carefully. Some of the stops are already closed for the season and it is better to be safe than sorry! We arrived at Meziadin Lake Provincial Park at 1:00. This is a beautiful campground right on the lake which is huge. We unhooked and headed for Hyder, Alaska at 1:30. It is a 40 mile drive. On the way to Hyder we stopped at Bear Glacier and got fuel at Stewart, B.C. $1.05 per litre. Drove on to Hyder and out to Fish Creek bear viewing platform. There are a few fish still in the river, but the volunteer said they are only seeing 3 bears now and not very often. We stayed 1 hour. Took pictures of an eagle and a kingfisher. Stopped at the little store in Hyder where a 2 lb. brick of Tillamook cheese was $19.00. Visited a little bit then stopped for homemade fudge before getting the passport back out to cross back into Canada. They do not have a border crossing into Hyder, Alaska. We stopped at Stewart, B.C. at King Edwards Hotel for dinner (sounds fancier than it is!) Then back to camp. It started pouring while we were at dinner. 335 miles today.

Cassiar Highway

Meziadin Provincial Park, Cassiar Highway, B.C.

Bear Glacier - Stewart/Hyder Highway

Hyder, Alaska

At Fish Creek Bear viewing platform

Fish spawning

Leaving Hyder, Alaska

Border Crossing - Hyder, Alaska to Stewart, B.C.

South bound on the Cassiar Highway

SEPTEMBER 16 WEDNESDAY

2009-09-27T19:09:00.000-07:00

Dad’s birthday - 79!!
Left camp at 6:30 Alaska time. Nice drive today and there is not very much traffic. All of the leaves are turning and the colors are beautiful. Stopped at Rancheria Falls for lunch. We have not seen a bear since we left Haines and there are not any "signs" that the bears have been on the road. Got fuel at Hwy 37 - $1.09 per litre. The Cassiar Highway runs from the Alaska Highway to Highway 16, a total of 450 miles. The first 50 miles were the worst - lots of construction. We drove 104 miles on the Cassiar and stayed at Dease River Crossing. This is a nice park on a lake but it rained so hard we could not even go outside. 368 miles today.

Rancheria Falls

Pilot car on the Cassiar Highway - REALLY!

Upper 50 miles of the Cassiar Highway

Dease River Crossing after a heavy rain

SEPTEMBER 15 TUESDAY

2009-09-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

Pulled out of camp at 7:30. Got fuel in Haines $3.52 per gallon. Today was a beautiful day and we took a leisurely drive to Whitehorse about 250 miles. We made lots of stops along the way and saw one coyote. The Haines Highway summit was amazing. We made a stop at Kathleen Lake, one of our favorite stops. It was just starting to thaw on the way up in May. We fueled up in Whitehorse $1.039 per litre / $3.93 per gallon. Stayed in an RV park, had dinner, 1 load of laundry and 2 showers. Bob is not liking the noise and traffic!

Resident : Haines Highway Summit

Swans

Kathleen Lake, Yukon Territory

SEPTEMBER 14 MONDAY

2009-09-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

Today it is so foggy you cannot see the lake. We had the last morning campfire and Bob cooked breakfast. Then checked the campground and toilets for one last time.

Took the camp box and all the tools and paperwork by the shop and met John and Jen and Nick (same ones as yesterday) and Preston the Ranger for lunch. Preston bought! Had a nice long visit. John gave us a chunk of halibut for the freezer.

Stopped by the store then spent a lazy afternoon by the lake. After the fog blew over it was a fantastic day - 61 degrees and clear blue sky.

Down to the river about 6:00. 8 bears again. One towards the lake, then a huge bear across the river. The last 4 years this bear has been called Gimpy because she had been shot in the butt and had a limp. Now she is completely healed and is an amazing looking bear – with no limp and a new name ….Hummer. Hummer showed up first then the two sows with two cubs each. One of the two year old cubs got to close to Hummer and she roared so loud we heard it across the river. The cub jumped in the river. His Mom and the other cub got past Hummer and jumped in too. These are the two year old cubs and it looked like the sow was letting her cub deal with Hummer on his own because he will not be with her very much longer. There were lots of people out on the road and the Ranger. It was to dark out to take pictures. The sow and 2 cubs eventually made it across the river near where we were after it got dark.

See the fish jumping?

Spawning salmon.

Bear trails.

Last sunset. Heading home in the morning.

SEPTEMBER 13 SUNDAY

2009-09-26T21:04:00.001-07:00

Up at 7:00. Went down the river to look for bears. Didn’t find any this morning.

The pinks (humpback salmon) are spawning in the river. They are in the river along the shore lines. You can also see the leftovers from the bears. They are mostly eating the eggs and the insides. The dead fish line the banks and there are hundreds of seagulls that were not there earlier in the year. The pinks are jumping everywhere! They jump up to 7-8 times. We watched them from camp.

Drove up the Haines Highway (back towards the Canadian Border). Stopped several times along the way. Then met John & Jen the hosts from Chilkat Park and Nick from the Parks Department at 33 mile house. Best hamburgers in the area! Back to camp and built a big fire. Watched the fish jump. I spotted a mink just below “the rock” at the water line. Bob was able to get his picture. Gave away some firewood today to several campers. Did a little packing, took the borrowed canoe back and moved the guys 5th wheel into his shop for the winter for him.
Young eagle along the Chilkat River.

A little chilly out today!

Mink below camp.

Went down to the river about 6:00 tonight. No bears for about an hour then saw a bear named Clueless along the bank right below us. He is one of the collared bears and has gained quite a bit of weight since May. Across the river there was a sow with two 2 year old cubs. Then another sow with two 1 year old cubs showed up. Not a good mix! They managed to stay out of each others way. There was one more big bear back towards the lake. Back to camp at 8:30 (dark).
Nightly visitor

SEPTEMBER 12 - BACK TO HAINES

2009-09-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY 9-12

I left Portland at 8:30 am and flew to Seattle, changed planes and flew to Juneau. Then I took a taxi from the airport to the ferry terminal. I arrived at the ferry terminal about 1:00.

Bob boarded the ferry at Haines about 8:30 am and left for Juneau at 9:00.
The ferry docked at Juneau at 1:30. The guy saw what was going on and knew Bob had a round trip ticket so he let us right back on. The others boarded about an hour later. We left at 3:00 headed for Haines. We arrived at 7:30 and got to camp about 8:00. It was a dark and rainy night! We made rounds in the truck tonight!

Pictures from the ferry.

Mom and baby Orca whale.

BEFORE SEPTEMBER 12

2009-09-26T20:21:00.001-07:00

The pictures below are all ones Bob took before I got back to Haines on September 12. There are lots of bear pictures, but it is hard to pick which ones to post!

BEARS

2009-09-26T19:44:00.001-07:00

BEARS

2009-09-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

BLUE HERON

2009-09-26T19:28:00.001-07:00

KINGFISHER

2009-09-26T19:26:00.004-07:00

THE COLUMBIA

2009-09-26T19:26:00.003-07:00

MINK WITH A HALIBUT

2009-09-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

BEARS

2009-09-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

There is a bear behind the bush on the right. These people are to close!!!

TREE FUNGUS

2009-09-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

BROWN MINK

2009-09-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

BEARS

2009-09-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

BEARS

2009-09-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

SEAGULLS ON THE RIVER

2009-09-25T12:25:00.001-07:00

There are so many dead fish in the river the seagulls are everywhere!

CROWS

2009-09-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

CAMP

2009-09-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

HARBOR SEALS

2009-09-25T12:20:00.001-07:00

SOW WITH TWO YEAR OLD CUBS

2009-09-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

September 11 Friday

2009-09-11T22:38:00.001-07:00

Today Fish and Game pulled the fish weir out of the Chilkoot River. It has rained so hard that the river is very high. The water AND the fish are going right over the top of the weir. Makes it kind of hard to count them!! Many people are leaving. Bob said they are deserting the town like rats from a sinking ship!

Tomorrow - Saturday the 12th of September I will head to Haines. Portland to Seattle, Seattle to Juneau, and a 4 1/2 hour ferry ride from Juneau to Haines. Bob is taking the ferry from Haines in the morning and will meet me in Juneau to ride back with me.

We will leave Haines on Tuesday morning September 15. Bob says customs opens at 7:00 and we will be there waiting to cross over. Not sure how long it will take us.

See you in about a week!

September 7 Monday

2009-09-09T20:29:00.001-07:00

Today was a going away lunch for all of the State Parks Summer help. They had a potluck at the Parks shop building. Bob received a certificate, a coffee cup, a set of binoculars and some pens, and........a request that he come back. We will have to talk about that and see what we want to do!

September 4 Friday

2009-09-06T10:35:00.001-07:00

8 bears on the river tonight - lots of excitement!

Oh yeah, Bob gave himself a haircut this week, now that is scarey!

September 2 Wednesday

2009-09-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

6 bears at the river tonight. One old bear that they thought had died, one younger bear that was very nervous, one collared bear and one sow with two cubs.

August 31 Monday

2009-09-03T10:09:00.001-07:00

Went to lunch today with 19 other people from town including the parks employees. Had a nice lunch on one of the cruise ships that comes to Haines and then had a tour of the ship. Back to camp and they are finally paving the road! There has been more bear activity every day.

August 30 Sunday

2009-08-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

To town today for gas for the generator! Then a little reading, a nap, and then some fishing. The "pinks" are spawning right at our camp.

August 29 Saturday

2009-08-30T20:51:00.001-07:00

Because of so much rain this week the water level of the river is up and parts of the fish weir had to be removed. There were 4 bears out between the weir and the bridge. There are two new bears - BIG bears!

August 26 Wednesday

2009-08-30T20:49:00.001-07:00

It has rained all week in Haines. The temperature is a little cooler and it looks like summer is over! Today was the first day for snow in the mountains on the Haines Highway - in August!!!

August 24 Monday

2009-08-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

Last night there were 5 bears on the road by the fish weir and only one Bear Monitor - Bob! Only one of the bears was collared so new bears are coming in. Today a bear walked between our camp and the next and on up through the campground. Tonight all of the camp hosts were meeting in town for pizza before some of them leave for home. They are starting to think summer is over because of the rain!

August 23 Sunday

2009-08-23T19:44:00.001-07:00

This week it has been raining. The temperature has ranged from a low of 50 to a high of 59. Some days there has only been a 3 degree difference in the low and high temperature. Last weekend was a Canadian holiday and most of them gave up by Sunday because of the rain. There are still quite a few people driving out to the park to view the bears. Some days there are over 100 people on the road to view 2-3 bears fishing in the river. The Parks Dept. tries to post 3-5 "bear monitors" along the road. Bob has been helping with that. Their job is to stop people from parking on the river side of the road and to not allow any cars to stop on the road in a certain area. It is still surprising to us how dumb people can be around bears!! Visitors to the area are expecting more bears but the fish run has been just about 1/2 what it normally is which means less bears!

Three weeks from today I head back to Haines.

August 21 Friday

2009-08-23T19:42:00.001-07:00

Today Bob called from Alaska to wish Jamie a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

August 15 Pictures from Bob

2009-08-16T18:44:00.001-07:00

The bears are starting to run together a little. Bob has 3 cameras so it is hard to keep straight which day and which bear but I posted the best ones below.

Their teeth are like razors!

This one is right below camp. This is the rock the merganser ducks sit on.

This is a viewpoint on the hillside that Bob helped the Parks Dept. build. The boat harbor is below and to the left.

"The World" cruise ship docked in Haines for a few days.

This is the view of the lake from camp where most of the sunset pictures are taken. This is smoke from the forest fires in the Yukon.

Sorry Bob, but this is the UGLIEST bear I have ever seen. (Poor thing, we should take a collection for him to visit the beauty parlor! )

Not quite as bad on the other side but still ugly!

Do you think he heard me say he was ugly?

Swimming to a fishing hole.

Waiting on a rock.

Missed him. (Doesn't look like he is trying to hard!)

This is the bear Bob was watching across the river.

This is the bear that was watching Bob - and the bear across the river.

Blue heron fishing by camp.

I think Bob watched Castaway last night!

Today it is POURING in camp. It is a Canadian holiday so the campground is full!

August 13 Thursday

2009-08-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Bob e-mailed me 2 pictures - one of a blue heron landing right by camp and another of one of the collared bears eating lunch.

August 10 Monday

2009-08-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Last night 5 different bears were seen in the park. Bob did not see them but had a report of one of the collared bears, the smaller bear that he watched across the river, and 3 larger brown bears. He will be out with his camera today!

A stick was mailed home today so there will be more pictures at the end of the week.

YES I LIKE BEARS

2009-08-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

The following pitures were not taken by Bob or I. These are black bear cubs and the pictures were taken by Etta and Danny from Florida. It is rare to see cubs but even more rare to see triplets! How cool is that! These pictures were taken from a distance and I zoomed them in on the computer. What I want to know is where is Mama bear????

Information from the Chilkat Valley News July 23, 2009

2009-08-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

Alaska Power and Telephone is proposing to raise residential and commercial electric bills 9 percent next month to offset increased operations, maintenance, and customer service costs, and may increase rates an additional 4 percent next year. The company has not adjusted its electric rates or customer charge since 2004. Combined with an energy charge next month of 8.5 cents, customers will pay about 22 cents per kilowatt-hour under the new rates.

Due to vandalism incidents over the last several weekends the Borough assembly recently discussed re-enstating the curfew. Over the last weekend there were several incidents of vandalism that total approximately $10. 10 flower boxes, two wooden stools, a garbage can , and a hand cart were smashed at the Port Chilkoot Dock, two windows were broken at the visitor center information booth on the dock and 4 fishing rods were stolen off a boat in the harbor. On Sunday vandals smashed a window of the senior citizen center transport van and broke a small window at the public library. The crimes appear to be related and evidence collected at the scenes included fingerprints, shoe prints, and alcohol bottles. (The local curfew requires youths under age 18 to be home by 10 pm on weekdays during the school year and by midnight on weekends and during the summer.) There has also been recent damage at a native cemetery at 4 Mile.

During the 3 day opening for commercial chum fishing last week a total harvest of 360,000 fish were harvested. (This includes Limestone Inlet and Gastineau Channel at Juneau and Lynn Canal at Haines.) Chum caught in Lynn Canal are averaging 7.6 pounds each compared to 10 pounds last year. Lynn Canal sockeye weigh an average 6.9 pounds. Chum are smaller this year throughout southeast. This last happened in 2003. The cause is said to be ocean conditions. "Something's having an impact on their food source and they're not getting as much to eat as they should." There are about 20 boats focused on chum at Haines. The lower numbers are because of gear restrictions and area closures to protect a depressed Chilkoot run (Bob's lake). As of Tuesday only 12,500 reds have passed Chilkoot weir this year compared to 22,317 by this week, on average for the past 10 years.

Alaska Indian Arts of Haines recently finished their largest totem pole in about 25 years. The pole took two years to finish. It is a one-ton cedar and is 35 foot tall. The totem was ordered by Texas real estate magnate and Replublican party benefactor Harlan Crow who owns one of the world's largest private collections of statues. The pole is valued at $100,000 and will go up at Camp Topridge, a summer estate in upstate New York.

Police Report for the Week of July 23:

Tuesday July 14
Police received a complaint about a truck and trailer blocking half of a road in Fort Seward.
Thursday July 16
Police helped a motorist who stalled at second ave and Old Haines Highway.
A caller reported a moose swimming near crab pots in front of a beachside RV Park.
Saturday July 18
A caller reported a vehicle stolen. Police discovered the caller's child had loaned out the car.
A caller reported hearing gunshots near the Mount Riley Trail.
A vehicle was reported in a ditch at 5 Mile with air bags deployed and only a dog inside.
Troopers made contact with the driver.
A large cottonwood tree was reported in the road at 20 Mile.
A caller reported a bear charged their vehicle at 4 Mile and were concerned for the safety of
people who had a car parked there.
Sunday July 19
An injured hawk was taken to the eagle foundation.
A caller reported a neighbor using a burn barrel. Police found no fire.
A caller reported a person smoking fish. Police said it was legal.
A caller reported a three foot deep hole in the sidewalk on Main Street across from the bank.
Police contacted Public Works.
An agency reported concern for an overdue pilot. Police checked on the pilot, who was at home.
Monday July 20
A caller reported a person lying on the ground in a pullout on Lutak Road. Police gave the intoxicated person a ride home.

August 7 Friday

2009-08-09T07:20:00.000-07:00

Went to the Park Shops this afternoon. Today is Preston's birthday (The Ranger). Spaghetti feed with the other park employees.

August 4 Tuesday

2009-08-09T07:13:00.000-07:00

Today Bob was standing on the road taking a picture of a smaller adult bear. He stood and watched him for about 40 minutes. No one else was around and at one point he looked up and found that there was one of the collared brown bears watching him from the road about 50 feet away! The bears are so quiet! Bob did not hear him as he came down the hill out of the woods or up the bank from the river. Now that is a wierd feeling! And people always think they will hear a bear!

The bigger bear saw the littler one and swam across the river and chased him off. (pictures to come).

Camp has been almost full every day.

August 3 Monday

2009-08-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

There are quite a few forest fires up in the Yukon. The smoke has settled down at camp and you can hardly see the lake. It is also difficult to breath today.

August 2 Sunday

2009-08-09T07:07:00.001-07:00

Today Bob took the canoe out and went across the lake. He decided it is a lot easier with 2 people. (I'm pretty good at paddling a canoe!).

A bear came into camp today - Bob got in the trailer with the door open to take his picture and of course the bear went around the back of the trailer! Do you think he could be camera shy?

August 1 Saturday

2009-08-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

Today a canoe arrived in camp - Several weeks ago a neighbor up the road came and talked to Bob. Someone was sending him a 5th wheel on the ferry from Juneau, just a 5th wheel, no truck. He knew Bob had a hitch in the truck and asked if he would take if off of the ferry and deliver it to his house. Of course Bob said yes! The fella wanted to pay Bob but he said no. When he asked if there was anything else he could use at camp Bob told him he had tried to find a canoe to use for the summer. The guy said not to worry I will have one delivered to your camp!

July 28 Tuesday

2009-08-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

Today a package arrived from Lynn and Gayle inTexas - 3o Mrs. Bairds pies, yum yum!

UPDATE

2009-08-02T21:44:00.001-07:00

I have pictures of the 3 black bear cubs that I will post later

July 26 Sunday

2009-08-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

At the ferry terminal this morning about 8:00, the ferry left at 9:00 and I got home at 9:00 tonight. Somebody said it would be easier the second time. NOT! My reservation is made to fly back to Seattle, then to Juneau, then on the ferry to Haines on September 13. WE will be back home about 10 days later.

July 25 Saturday

2009-08-02T09:16:00.001-07:00

This morning we went to town, filled water jugs, took showers, grocery store, bank, and got diesel. Diesel is $3.27 a gallon. Then back to camp. The same bear was at the weir all day.

We went back to town and met at the Chilkat State Park at 5:00 for a surprise birthday for John one of the camp hosts. Everyone had a great time, fresh sockeye and shrimp, bratwurst, salads, cake, and beer.

Back to camp at 8:30. Bob made rounds and I transferred pictures from 2 cameras to the computer and to a memory stick. We also traded pictures with another couple from Florida Danny and Etta. They took awesome pictures of 3 black bear cubs climbing a tree.

Lots of bear pictures today!

Bob fished in the morning and we had to move for this bear coming up the bank. The bank is back behind him and the truck is parked to his right with us on the other side of it!

On the way back from town we stopped to watch this guy. Might be the same bear as this morning. There are two with collars.

These next pictures are not zoomed in but they are a series of pictures. Matt, the fish counter is out in the middle of this weir. The bear knows he can only go so far before Matt chases him away so he is pretty nervous while he is eating......This happens over and over and over every day!

Sit and wait for a fish.

See one, gotta get it!!

Success!!

Boy is that good!

Watching for Matt!

Hurry up, eat some more!

Watch for Matt! Did he move?

Ready for another fish!

Strike and I missed!

Sit and wait for another one!

Got another one, gotta watch Matt!

Matt is way to close for my comfort!!!

Something spooked him (probably Matt) and he took the next fish up the shore.

Hmmmm what's up here?

Maybe a little further....

Nope, no fish up here.

I see where I need to be!

Not quite close enough.

Still not close enough........

I've been good Matt, can I come back now??

My last sunset at Chilkoot Lake for this trip.

July 24 Friday

2009-08-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

Finally built a fire this morning (we have not sat still long enough!). Steve and Marion came down about 8:00 am, they are loaded and ready to start their trip home. Good friends, we will miss them and hope to see them again.

My turn on the rock calling home. Jen who works for the Parks Department told us the first day we were here that she knew there was phone coverage up here "in places". Several years ago while ice skating half way across the lake she was very surprised when her cell phone rang!

Camp visitor

We made the rounds then drove down to the bridge. Bob caught a pink on the 3rd cast (about 4 lbs.). We passed the neighbors on our way back. They are a retired couple from Virginia where he was a Fish Biologist. They told us about the surprise they got this morning when they opened the trailer door to let their little dog out. A bear was standing in their camp. They said the bear left their camp and walked the path between theirs and ours, checked out our site then went off into the woods!

Went up and down the road a couple of times, took more pictures of eagles (you never know which one will come out the best!) Then back to camp for lunch. While we were sitting at the table a hummingbird hit the window then flew off over the lake. Bob took a nap. High is 61 today.

Adult bald eagles weigh between nine and 12 pounds with a wing span of seven feet. The females are slightly larger than the males. They can fly up to 30 mph and dive up to 100 mph. Eagles have excellent eyesight and can spot a fish up to a mile away. (http://www.haines.ak.us/).

Another beautiful night!

July 23 Thursday

2009-08-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Today we headed to town early to go with the Parks Department employees on the Fast Ferry to Skagway. Steve and Marion also went with us. They were only 5 minutes behind us and they came upon a bear eating a fish on the road and stopped the engine to watch. When the bear finished the fish he went down to the river and grabbed another one which he also brought up on the road and ate. No one else was around, and they got great pictures which they shared with us.

We had a fun day in Skagway. 3 cruise ships were in so there were plenty of people. The weather was about 60 but no rain and the company was great. We had fish and chips for lunch and then walked all through town. Made a few purchases then stopped for a beer at the Red Onion Saloon. It used to be a bar and brothel during the gold rush of the late 1800’s. The staff all dress the part and you can take a tour of the upstairs for $5.00.

We caught the 6:00 ferry back to Haines and got back just in time for a hamburger and a beer at the American Legion. Tonight there are 25 campers.

"Steve & Marion's bear"

Headed to Skagway

Can you tell we really like the sunsets!

July 22 Wednesday

2009-08-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

Today we drove up to 34 Mile. We stopped along the way on the Chilkat River and the Klehini River, the Chilkat Eagle Preserve and Mosquito Lake. The Eagle Preserve will have lots of visitors in November when almost 3,500 eagles congregate in the area. It is the largest gathering of bald eagles in the world and people come from all over the world to view them. Mosquito Lake is properly named! Bob used to come here in the 70’s to picnic and swim. Then we went to Chilkat State Park to visit the hosts John and Jen, back to the shops to visit, then back to camp where we heard a bear ran everyone out of the area around the boat launch this morning. Tonight the campground is full for the first time! It has kept Bob hopping.

A small arm of the Chilkat River.

Klehini River

View from Chilkat State Campground

John & Jen's view every morning.

Another beautiful evening.

July 21 Tuesday

2009-08-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

51 degrees out this morning. Bob made rounds this morning while I finished the dishes and took the garbage to the dumpster. I heard a thrashing through the woods behind it and froze in my tracks…. so did the bear. I opened the dumpster and heard more thrashing through the woods. Never did see him but my heart was sure racing and Bob said I was pretty white when he got to where I was! Bob fished off and on during the day as we come and go. We got some good eagle pictures today. Tonight we went in to the Elks for Taco Tuesday and lots of visiting. On the way back we saw one bear with a tracking collar. The bear had just stolen and eaten two fish from a fisherman on the bank. This is one of the two bears in the area with a tracking collar. Back at camp Steve and Marion came down for Tillamook ice cream.

Today on one of the walks around the campground 2 ladies were standing not far from the dumpster where I had a “close encounter”. One of them asked Bob “where do the bears live?”? I almost doubled over laughing as he explained that they did not have little houses they lived in and there were lots of woods out there where they sleep wherever they want. She seemed OK with that when the next thing she asked was “have you seen any eagles?” Again I had to fight hysterical laughing as we both explained to them the nests on the roadway and the eagles that are down at the boat launch when we both just wanted to say “have you looked up”?

Alaska Wildflowers

The bears like these berries

This fungus grew almost overnight!

Fireweed

Fireweed blooms from the bottom to the top. They say when it gets to the top summer is over.

More Fishing..........always more fishing!

This pink got to close to a seal. He went on Steve's smoker.

Ford Commercial

Another merganser family. Mom is close by and so are the eagles!

These eagles pictures were taken about 9:30 pm. One with a flash and one without.

"What did you say? I can't hear you!"

One of two collared bears. The fish run has been very slow. The bigger bears are still back at the back of the lake where the fish are spawning.

This one got spooked by people and swam across the river.

July 20 Monday

2009-08-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

We went to town today: Laundry, showers, groceries and the sporting goods store. Checked in with the State Forestry Service. They said fires are still not allowed because it was so hot last week and everything is very dry. Some tent campers have no other way to cook their food! Went to dinner with Steve and Marion from Grants Pass then they took us across the lake in their boat. We watched the fish spawning and sat for a long time about 20 feet from a bald eagle. Several days later I heard that there is a very aggressive bear who hangs out there and does not take kindly to visitors! Then we heard one of the kayak excursions saw 6 bears at this site! We spotted lots of lures in the lake today the boys were able to retrieve. Bob called the Ranger later in the evening and he said go ahead and let campers have small fires. We heard there was another bear in camp last night 2 sites from ours.

On the other side of the lake it almost looks prehistoric.

The eagles were awesome! We sat 20 feet below an eagle and he did not move. He was waiting for us to leave so he could continue his dinner! Another one hopped up the bank. He looked like a big fat turkey!

Young adult eagle

Someone else's loss was our gain!

Salmon spawning on the back side of the lake.

Bob calling the ranger from "The Rock" to ask about having campfires tonight (9:30 pm).

Bob is able to call home any time - if he stands on the rock! If he turns or steps off I can't hear him until he gets back on it!

July 19 Sunday

2009-08-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

I gave Bob a haircut first thing this morning. He had not had one since May 7! We went down to the river and took pictures of a nesting eagle and Bob caught one Pink salmon. Visited with Steve and Marion. They are from Grants Pass and have been here about 2 weeks. Steve is who Bob has been halibut fishing with. I cooked Sockeye salmon for dinner (yum yum). Later we sat up at the bridge to watch for bears for awhile. Someone had seen a sow with 2 grown cubs Saturday night. We didn’t see her but when we got back to camp we found a big bear in one of the fire pits. It was to dark to take his picture. It rained a little today.

These wildflowers are called fireweed.

Pink Salmon

After some CPR he swam away happy!

Trap found near camp

FIRST THINGS FIRST

2009-08-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

These pictures are ones that Bob had taken but not sent home yet. I wanted to get caught up on them before I posted the new ones......... Remember you can left click to make the picture bigger if you want.

This is a poor pitiful plant someone left in a camp. More about it later!

Steller Jay - "everyone thinks I am so pretty!"

Hitchiker -This is in the line of cars in the road construction. He rode on the truck several times, must like grey!

Parked along the highway

Kayakers passing by camp

Bears

Same bear zoomed in

Red-breasted Sapsucker Woodpecker

Eagles

Merganser ducks - The nest is just below camp

This eagle is trying to get to the Merganser nest

Looks like he was successful..........

This is "The Rock" that Bob has to stand on to get phone reception - more on it later.

"The Rest of the Story"

Here is the plant that Bob saved

and it has a guest!!

I think this is probably Bob's new motto.

And, of course more sunsets! Other campers show up with a beer for Bob and ask if they can sit in his camp to watch the sunset!

July 18 Saturday

2009-08-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

Today I was up at 3:00 am, flew from Portland to Seattle, then Seattle to Juneau. The ferry (The Malaspinia) left Juneau at 3:00 pm and arrived in Haines at 7:30 pm. We were both very glad to see each other!

Back past Eldred Rock Lighthouse

Glacier

Coming into Haines

UPDATE

2009-07-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

July 27, Monday - I arrived back from Haines, AK last night at 10:00. What a difference in the weather! I have lots of information and pictures to post but it will probably be this weekend. No air conditioning makes it pretty miserable to sit at the computer for very long. (100 plus outside and it doesn't get below 85 in the house at night) Dena

July 17 Friday

2009-07-17T18:46:00.000-07:00

Packed and ready to go. Up early in the morning - 2:30 a.m.!! Quick shower then head to the airport. Tomorrow will be a long day!

July 15 Thursday

2009-07-17T06:38:00.000-07:00

Baking cookies tonight to take to Alaska. I leave on Saturday morning at 5:30, fly to Seattle, then fly to Juneau, then take the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry to Haines - 4 1/2 hours. Arrive at Haines at 7:30 pm (Alaska time). Of course it has started to rain in Alaska! I will try and update the blog if we get to the library. Will be back late Sunday July 26th. Dena

July 12 Sunday

2009-07-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

Fished today - Caught a Dolly Varden, a Cutthroat and a Sockeye - released them all.

Sunset at Chilkoot Lake

2009-07-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

Eagles

2009-07-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

Harbor Seal

2009-07-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

Moose & Calf

2009-07-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

Moose and calf at 18 mile on the Chilkat River

Ducks - Loons

2009-07-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

Salmon and Fish Weir

2009-07-10T20:19:00.001-07:00

Fish Weir - Haines, Alaska

10 lb salmon - in the freezer until Dena comes up

4th of July pictures

2009-07-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

4th of July in Haines

Raft race at Chilkoot Lake. Rafters had to get out at the fish weir, and carry their raft around to continue.

July 10 Friday

2009-07-10T19:43:00.001-07:00

Today there was a small craft advisory in the canal so there would be no halibut fishing. Spent several hours in the boat going around the lake. Got to watch the sockeye salmon spawning at the far end of the lake, quite a sight. Amazing views as you motor around the lake, waterfalls and rock formations that are awe inspiring!

There was a bear down at the boat dock last night. He has been there the last several evenings.

Pictures mailed home are being posted today.

July 9 Thursday

2009-07-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

Went halibut fishing in Lynn Canal with another camper. 14 foot boat with a 20 hp motor. Did not catch any halibut but caught some ling cod and bottom fish. Had dinner with these campers. More fishing tomorrow.

July 7 Tuesday

2009-07-07T20:42:00.001-07:00

This fish run is having very low numbers. They have cut back on gill netting in Lynn Canal because very few fish are coming up the Chilkoot River into the lake and up the Chilkoot River on the other side to spawn. The numbers should pick up soon and perhaps a decent size run will occur.

Today it was 84 degrees! A beautiful day! This is the 4th day in a row it has been over 80. Haines cannot say they did not have a summer this year!!

July 4 Independence Day

2009-07-05T21:09:00.000-07:00

75 and sunny today - a perfect day for a parade! 1st thing in the morning the Parks Department all washed the Rangers pickup which would pull the float. Rode on the float with the other parks people. Many events in town especially for the kids. The firemen let the kids wear their coats and hats and have a water fight. There is also a mud volleyball game. It is surprising how many people show up at Haines for a parade. People come from other towns including Skagway and Whitehorse. Enjoyed a BBQ lunch then at 6:00 p.m. Then there was a raft race on the Chilkoot River with the Camp Host as a spotter. They had 2 regular rafts with trained lifeguards.This started at the boat launch near camp. Because of the number of people and the alcohol involved the Ranger and Fish and Game Trooper were called in to help!

July 3 Friday

2009-07-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

Caught the first salmon last night - about 10 lbs. 8 fisherman caught 5 fish while 3 eagles watched! Over 2000 fish over the weir in the last two days. They close the weir at night so the fish cannot go through without being counted. If the bears are near they are staying hidden in the woods! There is another fish run that follows shortly after this one is over.

Went to town today to help build a float for the Parks Department for the 4th of July. Then to the Haines Fire Department lunch. BBQ beef with all the trimmings. It is their major fundraiser for the year. Haines has a Chief and a Dispatcher. The rest are all volunteers. Bought a "Haines Volunteer Fire Dept." t-shirt, actually was a volunteer about 35 years ago!

75 and sunny today - very nice!

July 2 Thursday

2009-07-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

Went for a drive up to 18 mile (yep, that's 18 miles from Haines and back towards the Canadian border). Saw a cow moose and calf in the Chilkat River. Took care of domestics in town....shopping, shower, laundry, Post Office.

July 1 Wednesday

2009-07-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

The weather has been mild this week, overcast and a few sprinkles. The fish run is still not here and neither are the bears. Have only seen 2-3. Tuesday night was taco's and visiting at the Elks. Today helped Jen (from the Parks Dept) mow the entrance into the park. Two mowers, 2 1/2 hours each. This is the area where the boat launch is and where we parked for five days when we came into camp. Have been fishing often - catch and release Dolly Varden.

June 27 Saturday

2009-06-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

Today was an interesting day. Some people from the Water Shed Council were obtaining water samples to test a creek that flows into the lake. They were back on a bear trail about a mile. They came out and told Bob that they found a trap line with several traps and a dead wolverine. They turned this information in to the State Wildlife Trooper who came and talked to Bob. The first party was able to provide the Trooper with a GPS location for the site. Bob went with the Trooper and his summer worker back up the bear trail. They found 5 traps that had been sprung. One trap had a marten and one had a wolverine. The traps looked like they were set last winter. The Trooper cut the chains to the traps and took them back to camp. Whoever set the trapline marked notches on the trees so he could find the location from the lake. YES, the Trooper had a gun!

Shortly thereafter John and Jen the Camp Hosts at Chilkat State Park came to visit. They visited for several hours, compared pictures on the computer, and had some liquid refreshments! John does not have a refrigerator at his camp so he left the case of beer with Bob for the next visit. (good luck)

June 26 Friday More Pictures

2009-06-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

Wildflowers in Haines

June 25 Thursday

2009-06-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

To town today - laundry, propane, and filling water jugs. Mail did not show at the post office so must come back tomorrow to pick up the mail. and get diesel.

June 22 Monday

2009-06-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

Cloudy and mild today. Went to the library to see pictures of the new grandson, make some phone calls, and get a shower. Then back through the construction on the road out to the lake. There is usually a wait on the road as they are blasting away at the hillside. The count at the fish weir is now over 250 total fish. Have only seen a few sockeye caught.

June 21 BABY UPDATE

2009-06-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

After almost 30 hours of waiting we have a new addition to the family! Baby Kamden Robert Gail was born tonight at 8:41 in Colorado. Proud parents Bob's daughter Sarah and her husband Jeff. Of course there are pictures!

Bob was "standing on his rock" while I told him about his new grandson. All of a sudden he said "I'm looking right at a bear". A brown bear popped his head up a short distance away on around the lake. The bear looked around and was soon gone. As there is a large native population in Alaska I am taking that as a sign that Kamden needs a native name. So of course that would have to be "Standing Bear"!! I am thinking that I have sleep deprivation from waiting for his arrival last night!!!!

Meet Kamden Robert "Standing Bear" Gail

9 lbs. 1 oz. 21 1/2 inches

JUNE 21 PICTURES FROM ALASKA

2009-06-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

Cruise Ship and Alaska Ferry coming into Haines

Waving whale

Camp Visitor

Ducks

Eagles and Bears

Fish Wheel @ 9 Mile

See the "flying fish"?

Sunset from camp

June 20 Saturday

2009-06-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week two brown bears were seen walking down the street in Haines near Portage Cove State Campground. This is a tent/bike site only. Seems it shook up one of the campers pretty bad! He only got a picture of his feet! For anyone who has been to Haines this is down where the Fast Ferry docks.

Have seen several small sockeye salmon caught. Fished for Dolly Varden several days ago. Hooked a fish and several nearby eagles decided they wanted it! They divebombed the fish. Bob put the pole down and went and got the camera! It sounds like he got pictures and the eagles did not get the fish!

Tonight going to a free salmon feed at the S.E. Alaska State Fairgrounds at Dalton City.

New pictures have arrived at home and will be posted soon.

******BABY ALERT*****Bob's daughter Sarah and husband Jeff headed to the hospital about 6:00 tonight.

June 15 Monday

2009-06-15T19:27:00.001-07:00

Bob was able to get the bear picture from a couple of nights ago sent home after 45 minutes of trying. The bears are all named and I think I understood that this one's name is BMJ. She usually has cubs with her but does not look like she does this year. And, tomorrow is Tuesday.....that would be "Taco Tuesday" at the Elks!

BMJ

JUNE 14 PICTURES FROM ALASKA

2009-06-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

PICTURES FROM HAINES, ALASKA. I will try and group the pictures. Bob is using two different cameras. Starting to see more bears and eagles. A good sign the fish are on their way!

Camp Host Site #21, Chilkoot Lake, Haines, Alaska

Kayak's passing camp

Mountain goats up above camp

Sunset from camp

Haines Harbor

Holland Cruise ship docked at Haines

Ft. Seward Haines, Alaska

Chilkat State Park is another park a few miles out of Haines. It has a beautiful view. The camp host stays in a cabin with a wood stove!!

Spring in Alaska

Skunk cabbage

These are the holes the bears dig in camp looking for bugs or ???

BEARS!!

EAGLES

Chilkoot River

WHALES - Humpback whales come up the inlet to play where the water is warmer. The water is more shallow so they can not do their "signature" dive and flip their tail.

June 13 Saturday

2009-06-13T18:57:00.001-07:00

Last night Bob saw a big brown bear across the river and watched it for several hours. It stood up on its hind legs. (Picture is coming). Tonight there are 17 campers in camp. As of tonight 23 sockeye salmon have crossed the fish weir, so the fish run is on it's way!

June 12 Friday

2009-06-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

Bob received the box of cookies and other goodies. (General Delivery). Dena received a stick with pictures! Will be posting soon.

One of the flaggers on the road construction crew recently saw a sow brown bear with 3 cubs out by 17 mile house. (Back towards the Canadian border).

June 11 Thursday

2009-06-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

Went to dinner tonight at a small Mexican restaurant with the other park employees and volunteers then to a bluegrass concert at the Chilkat Art Center. On the way back to camp there were two cruise ships and one Alaska Ferry leaving Haines. Saw another whale.

June 9 Tuesday

2009-06-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

Meeting in town with the Ranger, park employees, and volunteers on procedures and questions. (Nothing is written down.) Then to lunch and back to camp. Will probably go back to town tonight for "taco Tuesday" at the Elks with everyone.

The State of Alaska is now paying for my propane.

June 8 Monday

2009-06-09T19:05:00.001-07:00

To town to do laundry. Mailed a "stick" home with pictures. Fished on the way back to camp. The State Trooper stopped to check my fishing license (yes I have one). Visited with him for awhile. Got his business card, said to call if I need anything!

(p.s. Update from Dena....yes, the cookies are in the mail!)

June 7 Sunday

2009-06-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

Today while sitting in the trailer it started shaking and the water in jugs on the counter started sloshing around. Went outside and the trees were all moving. At 3:24 p.m. a 5.0 earthquake was reported with the center being about 40 miles from camp! Didn't see any damage but there is not a lot around here to damage.

The mosquitoes have arrived!!

June 6 Saturday

2009-06-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

This week there have been more campers in the campground, and several bears during the night. They dig big holes probably looking for bugs. There are lots of visitors at the lake. The first fish run has not started yet but the ships bring in groups that pay to go kayaking or sight seeing.

Fished for Dolly Varden Trout several times up the river where the fresh water runs into salt water (catch and release).

Went to town this week to do laundry, to the library, and shopping. HOORAY for me, they have Tillamook Strawberry Ice Cream for $3.99 per half gallon, less than at home.

This morning saw 2 humpback whales in the inlet. It is not as deep here. They stayed and played for over an hour.

Will be sending pictures home this week. Hoping to exchange them for cookies!

June 2 Tuesday

2009-06-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

Went to town in the A.M. To the shop for a shower and filled up water containers, got diesel, then went to the library for the internet and to charge batteries. Back to camp for lunch. Will go back to town tonight for "Taco Tuesday" at the Elks with the State Park employees and the other camp hosts.

June 1 Monday

2009-06-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

Activity in the campground has started to pick up. There have been some campers, and visits from more bears. A bear visited a campsite Saturday night and dug a 2 ft x 2 ft deep hole in a campsite near a log. There was a camper sleeping in his vehicle in that site. He told Bob the next day his dogs got a little excited during the night! Saw another brown bear across the river from where we were camped for 5 days when we came into the lake. (I'm going to use the term "bear" to describe brown bears (grizzly). If it is a black bear I will mention that. Black bears frequent the park less often than browns.)

Bob is able to call home pretty much every day. If he is in camp he has to come out of the 5th wheel and go stand on a rock. During the conversation it's pretty obvious if he moves off of "his" rock!

Because the internet is so S L O W it is nearly impossible to e-mail pictures home. Bob is saving pictures to the laptop computer and will mail them home on a stick. So, unfortunately there will be no new pictures until that happens.

Today it is over 70 degrees in Haines and sunny! Bob had a steak for dinner and probably a "smuggled" in bottle of Henry's. Cranking the generator up and gonna watch a movie. Tough life!

May 28 Thursday

2009-05-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

Today the Parks Department installed the "CAMP HOST" sign at Bobs site - space 21. Also, the State guys were there to start installing the fish weir at the walkway that goes across the Chilkoot River. They have a "fish counter" there during the summer months who sits on the walkway and does a visual count of fish. There has been a bear in camp in the last several days. He dug a big hole in site #5 which the camp host had to fill in.

May 27 Wednesday

2009-05-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

Went to town to do laundry, the library to re-charge the computer, and to the store for some groceries and fresh fruit. The fresh produce comes in once a week. Tractor trailers with supplies are loaded on the ferry and trucks are waiting at the ferry terminal to pick them up when they get to Haines. It arrives on Monday but the produce isn't usually on the shelf until Tuesday.

Advise from the locals - "buy produce on Tuesday or Wednesday or wait until the next week".

6:30 TONIGHT - FIRST BROWN BEAR (GRIZZLY) ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER.

May 26 Tuesday

2009-05-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

RAIN!!!! Lots of Rain! Park is open today.

May 23 Saturday

2009-05-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

6 hour class at the Haines library for all tour guides and volunteers on bears and bear safety, and dealing with the public. Bob will help with bear monitoring out on the Chilkoot River. Driving the truck around the two loops in the campground to break up the snow.