From Death Valley...

Hello and greetings from Death Valley! As I mentioned in my last posting, I was going to try and post a couple more bear images. So here is another shot of Dusty. In a very endearing pose.

I can't say enough about McNeil River, the staff and the bears! Just a super opportunity and by all means put it on your bucket list! You won't be disappointed.

When you go, plan to do some trekking. You will need hip-waders and good rain gear. Bring your camera gear and protection for it also. We hiked up to 6 miles each of the four days we were at the sanctuary over tidal mud flats, tundra, river crossings-right through bear country. They were all around us, content with the abundance of chum salmon in the streams-typical at the time of our permit. We made stops everyday at Ender's Island where this shot above was taken.

I don't recall if this bear had a name. The Friends of McNeil River publishes a spiral-bound book with interesting reading and help in identifying most of the bears you find who make the return trip to McNeil River every year. Visit http://www.mcneilbears.org/ to purchase the book and help a good organization help the sanctuary and the bears.

Happy Bear Watching!