Where We Got To See Bears Anyway
You might remember a few days ago when we first boarded we discovered that one of the excursions I thought I had booked apparently was not booked and was now sold out. We had expressed our displeasure to the Excursion Director, Scott, who put us on the waiting list.
This morning we got up early anyway, just in case a spot opened up. Andy spoke to Scot first thing: Scot’s suggestion was to go down to the bus for the Fortress of the Bears excursion and see if anybody didn’t show up.
Which worked like a charm. It was not clear if there was actually somebody who didn’t show up, or they just figured out there were a couple of empty seats on the bus, but it didn’t matter – we were on the bus.
It was about a 20 minute drive along one of the few paved roads in Sitka to arrive at the Fortress of the Bear, a non-profit that takes in injured or orphaned bears and gives them a forever home. Alaska does not have a rehab-and-release program for bears; the cubs that are rescued by this organization would otherwise be euthanized.
The bears are kept in large enclosures where they have access to a pool to swim in and enrichment activities. They are trained to perform certain behaviors to help with health assessments: they open their mouths, raise their paws, and stand on command. Two younger bears (7 years old) are kept separate from the older bears (16 years old), because they are still teenagers and full of energy. The older bears would not appreciate this energy.
After about 45 minutes, we got back on the bus. We were dropped off in downtown Sitka in front of the library.
We went in search of a CVS-like store; the bus driver recommended a grocery store that was just a few blocks away. As we headed off in that direction, it started to rain. As it apparently does here most days.
We found the grocery store and found everything we were looking for. Since it was Sunday, most of the shops were closed until later in the afternoon, so we decided to go back to the ship.
Once we were back on the ship, we went to lunch. The afternoon is open for us. As I type this, Andy is off on a long run.
Once I finish this, it’ll be cookie time! I’ll bring my knitting and sit in the lounge to look at the view.
Tomorrow: Another morning in Sitka. We have a raptor excursion.
Maryland Meshugas 