Bear Cubs, 6 months old

Our plan for Kodiak was to fly out to where the bears were and we had a guy lined up who had a great reputation. The day dawned bright and sunny but our hopes were dashed when the pilot advised that weather on the other side of the island was terrible and he was unable to land.

So plan B. We eventually found Lee who promised to take us by fast catamaran to a fish ladder where there were always bears and we would see some other sea animals on the way. We felt the price was high but we came to Kodiak to see bears and this was our best option.

Just to get warmed up we saw two bears in the river but too far away to get interested.

We had a few hours to kill before the boat ride so we had a look around town. Kodiak looks like a rough and ready fishing village but there is a lot of money here and some fabulous houses in prime locations. We found out later that million is a very common word in town, nearly all from fishing.

Overlooking Kodiak

St Herman Orthodox Seminary

Lee, our bear guide for the day

We finally met Lee on his boat about noon and we soon headed out. He was determined to see bears but also as much else as possible. First stop around the corner for a local colony of sea lions.

Which is my best side?

Choir practice

Kodiak harbour, one of about 6 we found

The trip across the bay took about an hour and was a bit rough but not too bad. Coming back was going to be a different story though. We saw some more wildlife on the way.

Humpback putting on a show

Tufted puffin

The rarer Horned puffin

Salmon hatchery where there is a fish ladder and bears. It took a little while before Lee finally saw some signs that the bears were out to play. Then we motored into the hatchery for a closer look. I will let the photos tell the story from here.

Choose

Attack

Job done. That sequence was shot in about 2 seconds.

Cub about 6 months old watching mum fish

I love the expressions on the fish

For an hour we watched these beautiful animals fishing and playing. We saw 4 mothers and 10 cubs in that time.

While we watched the bears we were talking to Michael who runs the hatchery. A young bloke who came for a while and ended up staying, a very common story.

More fish than water, mostly pink salmon. Michael estimated that in the small bay of about 1000 sq m there were 200,000 fish. No wonder the bears loved it.

Another pair of cubs also having fun

We set off for home port but quickly discovered the hydraulic steering on the boat was playing up and we had a pair of motors wanting to go in different directions. So we came home on one motor, at 9 knots rather than 26 knots.

Lee sharing a joke with Collette. He was a great skipper and tour guide. We felt in the end we got our money’s worth.

It was a bit after 8 pm when we finally got back so we raced off to catch our ferry. I will leave you with a video. Bears again.