Friday August 13, Dyea Campround, Skagway, AK

Sorry, just have to share some more bear photos!

Had another glorious day in Haines, the sun shone, a cloudless sky..and more bears!

We packed up and drove a short distance from our campsite to the river mouth and parked for a few hours while we had breakfast, and watched for bears. Not long when mum and her twins appeared and walked within a few metres of the van on their way down to the river. There were some others watching as well so as a group we spent about 15 minutes observing the group as they fished and played and swam. Somehow feel so privileged to be able to have such a good safe view of the bears. She is a little thin but understand this is her first cubs. About 30 minutes later she reappeared and wandered around as before….compelling viewing.

Into town and time for a haircut, a good “solid” cut, but feels much better shorter. Back to the van and found Ian talking to Pam and Gary, this is the 4th time we have caught up on the trip, they are a great couple, so soaked up the sun having a long chat. They are from Napa Valley, San Fransisco.

Took a scenic drive out of town, this area is so beautiful and it reminds us very much of the Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand.

Called in and had a drink with Pam and Gary at their camp while we waited for our 8.30 ferry crossing. They are traveling in a 5th wheeler, and with the big slideouts it felt so big, after spending so many weeks in our wee house.

The trip around to Skagway was very beautiful, the sun was setting on the mountains, and the sea was calm…..I had no problems! We passed three huge cruise ships leaving port on our way in, evidently Skagway is extremely busy and there can be as many as 4 in at a time. Read in Lonely Planet that no boats come in on a Saturday, so we shall see tomorrow if that is correct.

It was close to 10 when we left the boat, so it was a 9 mile drive in the dark out to a state campground at the old mining settlement of Dyea. Surprised to find the Park Ranger and camp hosts at the entrance when we arrived, evidently they had just had a black bear roaming around the camp! So they got us organized with a campsite, look forward to daylight in the morning to see where we are.