...moose watching

Everyone has heard of people watching, but yesterday afternoon we spent some time moose watching. This cow and calf were in a grassy area near the Swanson River. They munched on the grass for a while then stepped into the water. We took the photos from the Swanson River Bridge as we enjoyed our time...moose watching.

...good friends, a yurt, and some kayaks (4)

The crew waits with the gear after hauling it to the beach.

The Harlequin approaches Kayak Beach.

The view out the back of the Harlequin as we depart Kayak Beach bound for Homer.

Captain Mike steers the boat to Homer.

A celebratory lunch at the Happy Face Restaurant on the Homer Spit.

We ferried all our camping gear to the beach where it was stacked high and waited for the Harlequin to pick us up. We soon saw Captain Mike maneuver the boat toward the beach where he landed and helped us load our gear. After everything was on board and people were situated he shoved off and we were on our way back to Homer. I think we all wanted to stay longer but we enjoyed the boat ride back under the warm sun just the same. Doug and Heather were waiting for us on the dock and to celebrate the trip we all decided it would be a good idea to go out for lunch at the Happy Face Restaurant.

As we ate halibut and french fries we recounted the adventure knowing we had made lots of memories of...good friends, a yurt, and some kayaks (4).

...good friends, a yurt, and some kayaks (3)

The view from the yurt. Kayak Beach is on the left and Tutka Bay is just beyond the point. It's some nice country alright.

Emily wears a hat early in the morning while hanging out in the yurt.

Rachel and Laura examine a huge rock mound covered with kelp. We were there during some of the biggest tides of the summer which left this rock exposed during low tide.

Rachel found a sea star.

Our final day at Kayak Beach found us basking in some of the best weather of the trip. The sun was making an appearance and the sky was filled with scattered clouds. We had a leisurely breakfast of oatmeal and hot chocolate then we started packing our gear for the return trip to Homer. Before long we were shuttling all the totes and bags several hundred yards to the beach. While we waited for the boat to arrive we explored a huge rock mound that was exposed by the extremely low tide. Every nook and cranny was filled with plant or animal life. It was incredible. I think the kids could have spent the rest of the day looking at everything on that rock. Around 11:30 AM, we looked out on the water and saw the Harlequin making its way toward the beach to pick us up. We knew the trip would soon be over leaving us with lots of good memories of...good friends, a yurt, and some kayaks (3).

...good friends, a yurt, and some kayaks (2)

Three girls in a yurt on a rainy evening.

The skylight in the ceiling of the yurt.

Drying our gear in the yurt. Did I mention it rained a lot?

Doug makes the morning coffee.

Cooking breakfast burritos on the Coleman camp stove.

A kayak in dry dock waiting to be launched from Kayak Beach.

It was still raining when we awoke on Tuesday morning, but more urgently a member of our group was in extreme agony. After resting for several hours the condition did not improve and the decision was made to call the water taxi for an evacuation. Doug and Heather left for Homer to recuperate and the rest of us stayed at the yurt. Just so you don't worry, everyone is feeling fine now.

That afternoon we went out in the kayaks which was tremendous fun. I wish I hadn't been so paranoid about getting my camera soaked because there were some great photo ops. But, alas, my camera remained in the yurt on dry land. We did enjoy poking around the small coves near Kayak Beach and ventured quite a ways into Tutka Bay. It was strikingly beautiful. Emily was in the front seat of my kayak and fell asleep as we bobbed around on top of the waves. She woke up just as I was plowing the bow of the kayak into the beach for a landing. We both got out on dry land without getting wet which left me quite surprised! The others also made respectable landings and we all went back to the yurt to start a dinner of chicken and fried vegetables. Later we started a fire where we cooked 'smores and banana boats. They were delicious.

That evening the weather improved significantly and we all walked down to the beach to take in the view of the mountains, the entrance of Tutka Bay, and the North Pacific. Then, around midnight, it was time for sleep. And that was the end of day two and this installment of...good friends, a yurt, and some kayaks (2).

...good friends, a yurt, and some kayaks

Mrs. Hufford was amazed that all of our gear fit in the car.

The Harlequin is a very seaworthy boat with room for six passengers and their gear.

This is the view out the back of the Harlequin as we neared Kayak Beach.

The yurt on Kayak Beach. It sleeps five people. Unless it is raining heavily and the tent is saturated--then it sleeps eight.

We have been planning a trip to Kayak Beach with our good friends the Emmerich's since last year when we visited them in Colorado. Everything came together on Monday when we packed our gear in the car and drove to Homer where we boarded the Harlequin for a ride to Kayak Beach which is located at the entrance of Tutka Bay. The ride was smooth and we arrived at the beach in short order. We ferried our equipment to the yurt and looked for some wood to start a fire. It rained off and on over the course of the afternoon so we spent our time between the relative dryness of the yurt and the fresh air of the outdoors as the weather permitted. We swapped stories and caught up on the news of each others family while cooking brats for dinner and standing around the evening campfire roasting marshmallows for 'smores using Reese's Peanut Butter cups instead of regular chocolate (it's the only way to go when it comes to 'smores).

At bed time some of the members of our party had intended to sleep in the tent. However, the tent had become saturated by the rain. It was sagging and drooping from the weight of the water so we decided all eight of us would sleep in the yurt. After some creative positioning of air mattresses and foam pads everyone was in their respective sleeping bag and fast to fall asleep. The trip was off to a great start and the continuation of our adventure will be told over the course of several installments. So, stay tuned for the next edition of...good friends, a yurt, and some kayaks.

...Bear Mountain Trail

A photo at the trailhead. We saw a lynx just before this picture was taken.

The girls pose for a photo with the incredible view at the end of the trail. Skilak Lake and the Kenai mountains are in the background.

Wild rose bushes adorned the trail as we walked along.

It was another nice afternoon so we decided to take a hike. When we left the house we weren't certain which trail we were going to hike but as we got closer to Skilak Loop Road we settled on Bear Mountain Trail. I probably shouldn't mention this as my mother-in-law is a dedicated reader, but the trail is aptly named. It was covered with bear scat from beginning to end. We didn't see any of them but even I wouldn't hike this trail in the dark. They are definitely nearby and we made plenty of noise to let them know we were coming. But, I'm getting ahead of myself.

As we were preparing to leave the trailhead Mrs. Hufford said, "Hey, there's a lynx." I was able to catch a glimpse of it for several seconds before it disappeared into the roadside vegetation. Unfortunately there was no time for a photo.

The trail gains elevation quickly and continuously for about a mile before you reach an opening with an absolutely stunning view. From this vantage point you can see where the Kenai River enters Skilak Lake and the Kenai Mountains in the distance. It was beautiful. We enjoyed our time and had a snack before turning back toward the parking lot. The return trip is much easier because it is all downhill. We were back at the parking lot in short order.

It was a great hike on a thoroughfare appropriately named...Bear Mountain Trail.

...early morning on Skilak Loop

My good friend is visiting from Colorado and was interested in making an early morning foray to look for wildlife. I was glad about that because it meant I would have some company and it gave me a good excuse to make a trip to Skilak Loop. So, a 5:00 AM, I picked him up in Soldotna and after a brief stop for coffee we were on our way, donuts in hand.

We first drove to the Russian River Ferry Crossing just in case the bears were visible from the highway. Nothing doing. Then it was off to Skilak Loop Road where we drove slowly and peered into the bushes. Lots of snowshoe hares were spotted but nothing substantial until we got to Upper Ohmer Lake. Two loons were peering and fishing right at the edge of the lake near the road. We got out and took a few steps to the water and started firing the shutter releases on our cameras. I was having a difficult time getting the exposure right and eventually ended up opening it up 2 2/3 stops to get the loons exposed properly. Of course, that burned out the water, but I didn't care much about the water anyway. After 15 minutes or so we got back in the truck and drove toward Upper Skilak Lake Campground. Rounding a corner we spotted a black bear walking down the middle of the road. We stopped the truck and stuck our cameras out the windows just in time to get some pictures of the back side of the bear before it ambled into the bushes. We were elated.

Then it was off to drive through the campground and take the road back to the Sterling Highway. It was a good...early morning on Skilak Loop.

...the Alaska Railroad

The engine pulls into Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop to take us back to Portage.

We rode up top in the Chugach Explorer car. We had a great view.

Our group was fairly large and we posed for a photograph at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop sign immediately after we got off the train.

A family photo in front of Spencer Glacier.

On Sunday afternoon we took a wonderful ride on the train from Portage to Spencer Whistle Stop. It's a great trip and Alaska residents are able to get some great deals. We all rode for the two-for-one price.

As mentioned, our journey started in Portage and we got off the train at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, which is an extremely remote location in the mountains between Portage and Seward. In fact, you can only get there by train. When you get off the train there is a covered waiting area and restrooms. A USFS ranger then leads you down a trail to the lake at the terminus of Spencer Glacier. Along the way he provides information and anecdotes about the area. Once you get to the lake you are on your own after the ranger warns you not to be late for the return train. It leaves at 4:30 PM--sharp!

We spent the remainder of the afternoon checking out the glacier ice, eating a picnic lunch, geocaching (there are two of them in the area), taking photographs, and looking at the campgrounds which have been established for tent campers. We are already planning a return trip to camp there sometime.

At 4:30 PM--sharp--we were waiting by the tracks to board the train for the trip back to Portage. It was a great day and we thoroughly enjoyed our ride on...the Alaska Railroad.

...the last bear post

The saturation point has most probably been reached but I wanted to make one last bear cub entry before moving on to other topics. This is my favorite photo from that morning. The little cub was watching the sibling which was just out of the frame. I thought it would make a nice picture for...the last bear post.

...finally

Who knows how many miles I have driven, gallons of gas I've used, or hours I've spent these past couple of weeks looking for a baby moose to take a photograph of. Its been a considerable amount of each. Then, after running errands in Kenai this afternoon we were heading back home when Mrs. Hufford says, "Moose!" And, there it was! In the middle of a side street--with a calf. We turned the truck around and went back to take photos. We watched as they walked into the woods and a few moments later they reappeared and walked across the street right in front of us. Shutters were snapping at a rapid rate and then they turned and walked right beside the truck. A couple of minutes passed and a car came down the street honking its horn. And, then they were gone. I could have watched them a while longer, but I was glad to have a picture of this year's baby moose...finally.

...return to the bear chronicles

Every once in a while the cubs would focus their attention on something besides eating, sleeping, or wrestling. You may recall that only four vehicles passed during the two+ hours of bear viewing. The photos above were taken while they watched vehicles cross the bridge over the Swanson River. They didn't seem alarmed at the traffic, just curious, as we make a...return to the bear chronicles.

...a brief break in the bear action

We just returned from a four night camp trip at Trail River Campground near Moose Pass where the weather was exquisite and the scenery breathtaking. On Friday we drove to Anchorage and as we passed Windy Point on Turnagain Arm we spotted this Dall Sheep ram about 20 yards off the road. We stopped quickly and got out of the truck for some photos.

He was a nice ram and posed several times for the camera in between taking mouthfuls of grass. And, if you happen to be my sister reading this, don't worry. I will post some more photos of the bear cubs tomorrow. This has just been...a brief break in the bear action.

...the bear chronicles continue

Scratching after a nap.

The wrestling match gets serious. Sort of.

As previously mentioned, the cycle of eat, sleep, wrestle was repeated several times throughout the morning. The cubs would sleep for a while then wake up and scratch, take a few bites of grass, and then one of them would initiate a wrestling match. Most of the wrestling involved trying to knock the opponent off their feet. But, every once in a while it would get semi-serious and biting would ensue. Just a couple quick chomps and it was over. Then it was time for another nap or a quick snack as...the bear chronicles continue.

...the bear chronicles

A thirsty brown bear cub.

Peekaboo!

Here are two more photos from yesterday's bear viewing from the bridge over the Swanson River in Capt State Park. Evidently one of the cubs was thirsty so it went to the river for a drink. The other cub was asleep. After a few minutes it awoke and noticed its sibling was missing. It abruptly walked to a shallow ravine and disappeared from view. A few seconds later it stuck its head out of the other end of the ravine as if to say--peekaboo!

If you happened to see the KTUU news last night you may have noticed the photo of the 'bear hug' was featured during the weather forecast. I sent it in to the TV station at Mrs. Hufford's suggestion and two hours later Jackie Purcell was talking about it on the news!

As I mentioned previously I have tons of bear cub photos from yesterday. Check back tomorrow for the next installment of...the bear chronicles.

...two small bears

A brown bear.

A bear hug.

I've had a big morning. Up and in the truck by 4:00 AM. A quick drive to the Kenai City Boat Dock where the gulls were active but not much else. Then it was off to Capt Cook State Park. When I neared the bridge crossing the Swanson River I saw the cubs in the grass about 75 yards away. I watched them for the next two hours from the driver's seat of my truck as they moved closer to the bridge, which was my viewing platform. I texted Mrs. Hufford on my cell phone and she brought the girls out for the show. Only four other vehicles went by all morning and just two of them stopped to look at the bears. One car was loaded with several men from North Dakota. They had been fishing for halibut with great success and they were elated to see the bears on their last day here in Alaska. They will have some great Alaska stories to tell when they get home.

The commotion was minimal and the bears didn't seem the least bit fazed by any of it. They would eat a while, sleep a while, and wrestle a while. Then eat a while, sleep a while, and wrestle a while. It was the pattern of the morning for...two small bears.

**I took lots of photos. I mean lots of photos! I can't post them here all at once, so I will try to put new pictures here over the next few days. Check back regularly if you are interested.