July 27th

Janet joined us on our rounds today.  The forecast called for periodic rain and slowly clearing skies - a prediction that proved to be right on the money.  

We saw a brown bear on the far side of the Nemo loop, very close to the Thom's lake trailhead.  We could see the bear's big butt swaying back and forth just over a rise in the hill as we approached.  We were able to follow it for about a quarter of a mile before it either heard us or caught a glimpse of the truck.  It sprinted off into the woods as soon as it became aware of our presence 

Later that evening, we drove to town to register for the Bearfest half marathon and 5k.  Bearfest is a "celebration of the bears of SE Alaska" and is organized by a local outfitter.  It is a weeklong event that features a golf tournament, an assortment of games for kids, and symposiums on topics such as bear research and nature photography.