The tall tale of the Russian River and The Grizzly Bear...
Midnight fell upon them, as they lay restfully in their cabin, weary from traveling and their first dip net fishing odyssey. But, with the sun still hanging on, they continue their fishing voyage with another run to the Kasilof River for round two of this sport.
(midnight at the Kasilof River)
The men gather their colossal size nets, put their fishing gear on, and head for the water. The wind blew around turning adding a chill into this tranquil night. We watched as our men joined all the other fisherman joined in on the hunt..
It didn't take long for Logan to catch a fish which fueled the fire of the fisherman nearby who have been there for hours. Then Logan's luck only multiplied when he raked in two fishes in one catch!!! Meanwhile, Rodel struggled to catch just one! Several hours later, with 10 salmon under Logan's belt, and 2 for Rodel, we decided to pack up and head home, to take a nap before our fishing expedition to the Russian River.
Little did we know, we were on the brink of danger...
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6 am (Ring, Ring) Well more like Nickelback's "Gotta Be Somebody" I rolled over and ignored it, too tired...
We finally make it to the Russian River where it reeked of fish, both alive and dead, in and along the river. We cross the bank and set up camp amongst the hundreds of fisherman who are standing "pole to pole". As Erica instructs Rodel and Dad in Fly Fishing 101, Logan and I set up camp above the river bank with our lawn chairs, the sandwiches packed, and his Salmon Spread.. mmmm. Oh yeah, we were ready to fish, spectator-style...
As we sat, we saw people reeling in the fish only to lose them back in the water.. Bummer. Hence, Logan's theory, "why use a pole, when you can scoop them up with one quick scoop? and sometimes you can scoop two at once!" True... so true.
While they fished, we opened up that salmon spread, it hit the spot, and not to mention, quite fitting, fishing for salmon and eating salmon.. As I bit into my sandwich, I thought of that sign right before we boarded the boat to cross the river : WARNING: Bears are attracted to strong scents, keep your food covered.
Just then (it happened so quick), I hear a man saying: "Bear!" in a tone that was quite calm but bold and loud enough to notify us that it was indeed, right there, a giant, grizzly bear, with a curious face, trying to walk below to the river bank, just 20 feet (Erica and I are sticking to 15ft) from us! Surprisingly, I did not react the way I thought I would (you know, run ramped through the river, yelling and shrieking so loud my eyes would pop out of my head). I remained somewhat calm. All those tv shows and information on what to do when you see a bear, suddenly sunk in my head, and I walked towards the river bank. All of a sudden it was like there was a sense of camaraderie. We all huddled closer together at the edge of the river, as the people across the river, were yelling "Don't go up, he's still there..." As we stood at the bottom of the river, we could not see where the bear was. I was literally paralyzed with fear! Initially, I was shocked, but like a light switch that was turned on, it was starting to sink in, that a giant, grizzly bear, was right there.. But our fellow comrades on the opposite end of the river, kept us informed by yelling out the bear's whereabouts, "It's right above the guy with the red sweater, now it's by that log..." Nonetheless, the "inner photographer" in me, kept asking my husband to walk up and get my backpack, so I could take a snapshot of this bear, that could literally manhandle us and chew us into pieces! But as much as my hubby loves me, apparently, he was not ready to leave me a widow! I guess I don't blame him, but I wish I could have taken a photo of his reaction, priceless.. Finally, the bear strolled along, but none of us returned to the top of the river bank.. Especially with this delicious Salmon Spread...
All those times I said, "Man I wanna see a bear..." Yeah, no more.. I'm good now!
WOW! These are such beautiful pics!
Posted by: Adrienne | July 15, 2009 at 04:03 AM
See...That's why I never did it. Eric ALWAYS saw a bear when he was up there. Me? I'm too chicken, but then you already knew that.
Posted by: Anna Aspnes | July 15, 2009 at 06:35 AM
hahahahaa.... wow; what an experience. but i'm right there with you. i have a feeling that in ANY situation, i'd be trying to use my camera. ; )
Posted by: michelle carrillo | July 17, 2009 at 12:49 PM