Valdez, AK (Day 6) - Church & Salmon BakeAug 7, 2011
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Looks like a rather young black bear.
I think he sees the snow on the mountain peaks and figures...
Hummm, these dead fish don't look very appetizing.
(Ron Writing) This morning we attended worship service at the Valdez Church of the Nazarene. It is a small church with a very friendly pastor and congregation. After a good sermon we were invited to stay and share in the congregation’s potluck lunch. We had a very nice time of fellowship and some good food.
While driving to church this morning we noticed a black bear out fishing for his breakfast at a roadside stream. We watched him for several minutes before he got his catch and headed back into the woods. There are several streams along the road that are just full of spawning salmon so it’s very easy pickings for the bears and the gulls. Also, we had a low tide this morning so the bay near the road was a mud flat and it too was littered with stranded salmon that will never complete the last stage of their usual life cycle.
A little further down the road by another waterfall and stream we saw a black bear sow with two small cubs but they disappeared into the woods before we could get stopped and fire up the camera.
This afternoon we attended the final event of the Valdez Gold Rush Days. They held a free salmon bake in the pavilion at the city park with everyone in the community invited. They served grilled salmon, hotdogs, potato salad, macaroni salad, chips, drinks and desserts. We enjoyed some delicious salmon and, by chance, sat at a table with a couple who are also full-time RVers spending a few days in this area. It was fun visiting with them and comparing notes on our summer adventures in Alaska.
Weather: Overnight low was 45°. Rain all morning and much of the afternoon. High only in the high 40’s. There was a fresh dusting of snow on the peaks surrounding Valdez this morning. I think Alaska’s very short summer is already drawing to a close.
Critters: Several bald eagles, black bear, black bear sow with 2 cubs.
Tonight’s stop: Allison Point CG in Valdez, AK.