Moose and Mountains (Thursday, June 9)

This was some of the scenery we enjoyed while driving 

from Seward to Cooper Landing.  

The Russian River is famous for the salmon runs,

which are to start in a week or so.  70,000 salmon/day,

make their way upstream to spawn.  We didn't see any
today but had we come when the salmon was running,
the river would have been shoulder to shoulder
(bumper to bumper) with fly fisherman.
Guess we'll take the calm and beauty!
There was a nice boardwalk along the Russian River.

 "Where's Waldo? (Chris)"

Still working on group shots!

The flowering plants seem to be mixed up

in Alaska.  The Virginia Bluebells are blooming 

along side perennial Geraniums, Lupines

and this rose bush that Margo so
beautifully captured on our hike.

Lunch at a local's hangout!  Good food! 

After going part way on a "worse than B road", Tim 

and Margo headed back for more Exit Glacier and

the rest of us went to Cooper Lake and geocaching. 

After the scooter nearly went over the side of the
bridge, it quit working. Josh and Luke
pushed it back to the van and after calling the
shop, found it just needed to have the reset button
pushed! Sorry guys!

Geocaching is a past time that Tom and the
boys enjoy!  They have found many during
this vacation.

We were feeling a little deflated, no bear, salmon 

or moose sightings.  On the way home, some 

of us saw 3 moose in their natural habitat.

Many early mornings and late evenings were 

spent "Up North" on the Gunflint Trail looking

for moose in just these conditions.  

When all there was between us was a little hill 

and a guard rail, we left!

We have really enjoyed our stay at Bear Paw Lodge
and would highly recommend it to anyone
wanting a beautiful home in a great location with
attentive owners.   Tomorrow we leave to head
to our next stop, Eagle River!  Tom got a note
from the owner tonight, encouraging us to be
cautious and to carry bear spray as there
have been many sightings recently!  Yes!!!