The sign as you drive in on the main access road, I’ll concur Halibut is big business down here.

Our little Cessna 206. Smallest plane I’ve ever been in but our pilot Michael exuded such quiet, experienced confidence I had no concerns whatsoever. I do marvel at these little beasts being able to lift off and land in just about any environment. That’s a neat trick amongst the aviation world I bet.

The view out my window as we taxi down the runway heading for a take off position.

The view from my window once we’re in the air.

Such grandiose landscapes are in abundant supply in the neck of the world. I did wonder if it ever loses it’s wonder for the locals – or if they just go on holiday to some city and it all comes rushing back once they’re home again.

First pretty close viewing was of a Mama Bear (they call them Sows but I always feel vaguely scandalised referring to such magnificent creatures as Sows. A Sow is a pig. So Mama Bear or Girl Bear or Matronly Lady Bear they shall be for me) who was on a mission to get some fishin’. 😉

Her three children were less than exuberant about matching her determined strides. They rather reminded me of surly, sulky teenagers being hauled along to do the grocery shopping.

Cub #1.

Cub #2

Cub #3

And then to get a little perspective on sizes here…

There were PLENTY of bears to watch in this area. Which was not always the case with this location apparently. The guides were saying the morning trip didn’t manage to see this many.

This young guy got subtly pressured into moving by another larger bear just ambling in to his fishing spot. He decided that he would walk right by us. And when I say “by” I mean within five meters, and close enough that Jared, our guide, felt the need to stand (we were all kneeling, crouched down). As soon as Jared stood, the bear just took an extra angled step away and carried on. But he gave us all some brilliant photo opportunities.

He’s sooooo fluffy!

I’m not apologising. I loved this line from Despicable Me. Favourite movie moment. And therefore relevant to all future fluffy moments of note.

This was another guy bored with the grass chewing. He was heading out to the beach to do some fishing.

He passed right between us and the other group that was part of our three plane trip. Just a mesmerising, never to be forgotten trip. The guides were all very up and happy with the luck they’d had. As Michael said when it’s just nothing but wildlife like this – every time you go out it’s a new moment because you never know what sort of trip you’re gonna have. This one was a good one he said. I reckon his ‘good’ is my ‘utterly brilliant’. Simone is rating this Bear Viewing Experience 5 out of  5 Extra Deep Impressionable Bear Paw Print Stars. 🙂

The link to this company is here:
Alaska Bear Adventures with K BAY Air
We both can strongly recommend this tour company with complete confidence, it’s not cheap but it is worth every cent for this pretty special experience.