A Two Bear Day

Yesterday, we finally pulled ourselves away from Haines, with plans to return soon and as often as we can.  It's a long drive, but well worth the effort.

There were several pairs of humpbacked whales in the bay and we were told they were most likely a mom and her calf.  We caught this one near the boat.  The dog was barking madly as they approached the whales.  This bay was across from our campground.






The road from Haines to our next stop winds though incredible valleys with impressive views of several mountain ranges.  One of the inhabitants along this stretch and throughout Alaska, too, is the porcupine.  Unfortunately, it's hard to see them until you're almost next to them  But this one gave us more time, and Bernardo hopped out of the RV and watched it climb the tree.  Ifyou double-click the picture, it will enlarge (I've been told).

After stopping in Haines Junction (still in Yukon) to pick up some fresh baked goods for lunch, we set out for the next stop and then decided to go further....We're so glad of this, for we were rewarded with this wonderful grizzly.  He's snarling because another camper had stopped and several dogs were barking at him.  I can't believe Bernardo caught the moment.  But then he went on his way, trying to fill up on everything edible in sight.  He then hightailed across the road (and believe it or not actually looked both ways before crossing).

Several miles down the road we were treated with a black bear.  We couldn't believe our luck in seeing both bears in such a short span of time.  This one, too, lumbered along and picked up whatever bears eat in the grass and roadside.  He, too, looked up and down the road and then crossed to the other side.

T