Pavlof Harbor, Chichagof Island

Salmon in the stream, a sure sign the bears will be feasting and fattening for the coming winter. We found signs sprinkled about the landscape , letting us know the gorging and hyperphagia stage of bear feeding is starting. Piles of bear scat were scattered around the perimeter of the stream leading to a waterfall. Various body parts of salmon were strewn along the edges as well. The flow of nutrients from the sea to the forest comes in the form of salmon. After grazing in the open ocean for a few years (which is variable depending on the species of Pacific salmon,) the fish will swim, wriggle and fight their way to their natal streams. Within two weeks of spawning, both male and female will die, a bounty of oceanic nutrients for the forest and its denizens delivered in a scale-covered package.

We have garnered a plethora of memories this week. Some may say our cameras have experienced a state of hyperphagia as well, gorging on magnificent scenery, awesome wildlife sightings and candid portraits of our spouses, friends or family enjoying time together. We’ve seen and experienced many things for the first times in our lives; the sighting of a brown bear grazing casually on shore, a humpback whale swimming under the bow of our ship, our reflection a temporary tattoo on its rostrum until it broke the waters surface with a mighty exhalation. Inspiration has germinated in several of our travelers this week, and they share with all of us some of their impressions and memories gathered in Southeast Alaska.

Hiking by Sylvie Domigan, age 13
Hitting the mossy floor with your feet
Is staying quiet while listening to birds
Keeping a good eye out for bears
Is eating wild berries for fun
Not saying “yo bear” can bring you a bear
Going through the forest with a friend.

Salmon by Sharon Miner
I swim, I jump, Joy
River of death, rebirth and life
Destiny awaits


Earthy Visits by Jamie M. Grooms
Selfishly to see,
Offerings on display – CHOICE!
It’s future is us.

Anonymous contribution of a Lively Limerick
Yo bear! Are you in the Sea Arrow grass?
Or beside the falls for fish as they pass?
Footprints, salmon scraps, scat piles
Reveal your path, bringing smiles
Fore we’re close on your trail – in mass.

Alaskan Treasure by Maddie Grooms
My surface is pure, numbing to the touch
Crystal blue segments allowing only blue light to pass
Trapping all other colors, never to be seen
My proportions and vivid grandeur draw their attention
They convene in a fleet of boats
To Snap pictures of memories, bringing home to show all
They draw in a breath when I set free fragments of my mighty concretion
The pieces start tout as a crumble
Then advance into a raging roar
With my power and strength
I launch shooters with great force
For I am a majestic glacier


Bald Eagles by Hannah Ableman, age 11
Beautiful
Amazing
Landings after flight
Daring
Epic Awesome Wings
Great Sight
Luscious Habitat
Exciting to see our Country’s National Bird
Super flying experience.