Cooper Landing to Kenai

Thursday, June 14, 2012

When we were talking to the host at our B and B at breakfast this morning, we inquired about where we might buy bear repellant before setting out on our morning hike.  He very generously offered us the use of his own spray canisters, which we were very happy to have when we set off at the trailhead in the Russian River Campground and the ranger and several returning hikers told us of brown bear sightings on the trail.  We headed off, repellent at the ready, bells jangling, singing, and talking loudly, on a 2.5 mile hike to viewing platforms above the river.  What an amazing spectacle awaited us there!  The river was rushing and crashing below us, loud and powerful, and then we began to spot the salmon struggling to swim upstream. 

It was just a thrill to witness this passage we’d read about and seen on film so many times before; the reality was beyond anything we could have imagined.  We ventured beyond viewing platforms to watch fishermen casting into the current before returning to the trailhead.  Lots of fish, lots of fabulous scenery, many fishermen, lots of hikers, but no bears for us.

This afternoon, we took the Skilak Lake Road, stopping at many scenic spots along the way.  Late in the afternoon, we arrived in Kenai and checked into Harborside Cottages, on a bluff overlooking a beach and magnificent snow-covered mountains in the far distance.  The cottages are owned by the mother of one of Mary Ellen’s former colleagues, and we were greeted very warmly.  We’re delighted at the prospect of spending five nights in this wonderful setting and began our residency with happy hour on the deck and dinner “at home” with a view.

A great day, from beginning to end.  Speaking of which, it’s becoming very difficult to actually bring these days to a close. The sun is streaming over our deck right now (10:30 PM), and I’m having a difficult time even thinking about getting ready for bed!