I don't believe in luck.
That being said, I have been incredibly lucky all-around on this trip. Landed in Juneau... POURING RAIN! But then it stops just in time to trek on the Mendenhall Glacier. Arrive in Skagway... POURING RAIN! But then it slows to barely a drizzle when it's time to raft through the Chilkat Eagle Preserve. Floating through Glacier Bay... POURING RAIN AND IMPENETRABLE MIST! But then, just as the ship arrives at the Margerie Glacier, the sun breaks through and we have perfect visibility. And then this morning, dock at Ketchikan... POURING RAIN AND MORE MIST! But then, after a half-hour or so, it pretty much stops.
As I said, unbelievably lucky.
And then there was today's excursion, which was a float-plane flight to Neets Bay to look at bears...
And then I got so unfuckingbelievably lucky that I should probably buy lottery tickets immediately.
Because usually on nature sightseeing trips, there are odds that you won't get to see any wildlife at all. I booked the earliest bear-watch tour I could get since I was told the odds were better in the morning, but even that was no guarantee.
But I was lucky, again, because there were bears to be seen. And it was pretty much as I expected. Little bears off in the distance, looking for food...
What I didn't expect was to see a bear up close...
I certainly didn't anticipate being just 30 feet away either...
And I about shit myself when I saw bears just 15 feet away...
So you can imagine how I nearly lost all control over my bodily functions when I saw a momma bear and baby bear in a tree just 10 feet overhead...
As I said, unfuckingbelievably lucky. Having a Bald Eagle show up as I was leaving was just icing on the cake...
Then the float-plane arrived to take our group back to Ketchikan... where the rain started pouring again...
Maybe I should start believing in luck after all.
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Seeing bears 10 feet overhead would’ve been the end of me – or bear food, whichever came first.
I’d have totally stroked out & ended up bear dinner – holy shit! Totally enjoying seeing Alaska through your lens…absolutely stunning!
Wow! I’m glad the weather if behaving so well for you.
Love the bear in tree shot, so relaxed. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your trip. I’ve really been enjoying all the photos.
Glad you are having a good time in the Greatland and yes, you are lucky. But even those of us lucky enough to live here get excited when we see bears and eagles, and we see them a lot! Too bad you didn’t come to the Kenai Peninsula. Our weather has been pretty good this week.
Buy that lottery ticket! I grew up in Ketchikan and can attest to the frequent rain — you lucked out with the weather. The bears? The salmon ARE running right now, so you really just chose the right time of year to go to Neets Bay.
Dude. That’s awesome.
Bears are awesome! I hope you bought lotto tickets in town before the boat left the dock….you just may be a winner!
I’m soooo happy that your trip has gone so well! It’s my favorite vacation ever, and I wasn’t even on it. 🙂
Truly, truly lucky; along with great photos. Although further south, somewhat reminds me of my years in Dawson Creek, BC (Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway).
Thanks
Fantfuckingtastic!
I LOVE that you’re having such a great, lucky time, and that I get to see the beautiful pictures!!
Wow, the pictures are incredible. I love your trips!! Enjoy.
We were that close to a momma bear and a cub in Yellowstone. Fortunately we were in a car at the time. That is waaay too close.
Damn… I totally thought you were going to say, “but then suddenly our plane crashed and we were nearly killed.” See that would have been ironic, what with all the luck you were having beforehand. Get it?
Nevermind.
It’s good karma. This is your payback for all the good you do. Looks like a great vacation!
I’ve been an avid Blogography follower for years. Not usually one to make comments, but this is an exception.
I have lived vicariously through you, traveling to so many wonderful places, seeing things I will never see in person.
This is my favorite vacation! The photos you have taken are breathtaking, the colors are unbelievable. Glacier Bay-fantastic. Just wanted to say thank you!!
Wow, that is amazing! That baby bear is so damned cute…even though I am sure he could shred me in 2.2 seconds. 🙂
Dude, that’s one amazing day of luck and one day of amazing sights and photos.
Hope you are having a great trip.
You know, I was expecting you to say “Then we saw the bears, and *that’s* when my luck ran out!” 🙂
Glad I was wrong.
Your vacation has been lovely… very happy that you’ve taken us along!
Excellent! Terrific pictures. I’m so loving this!
Fantastic, omg!
Although I now have the Princess Marguerite jingle stuck in my head. I really loved visiting Victoria as a kid & you’ve inspired me to think about going again. I wonder if Laura Secord Chocolates is still in the lobby of the Empress. Mmm.
holy fucking four leaf clover up your butt, batman! fantastic!!
That’s just amazing.
Bears, Seagulls and Eagles, Oh My!
Lucky… lucky guy.
“And I about shit myself when I saw bears just 15 feet away…”
So, the question begs, does a Dave shit in the woods? Yes, if he sees bears. 😛
WOW!!!