There's a bear in there

 Finally we have reached our next landfall, Kodiak Island, Alaska.

Up VERY eary because I was keen to find out the election results (but I thought a bit after 3am was a little early to pop the champers) as we sailed into a clear day and calm waters.

Kodiak is quite a small town and we hadn't been successful in getting any shore excursions so we planned our own activities.

After achieving tourist status and getting our passports stamped we joined the shuttle bus from the pier to the town and visited the visitor's centre. Once Matt had a map we explored a little with the next stop the local history museum. A fascinating 2 story building made like a supersized log cabin with super sized tree trunks providing the structure it's history included originally being built by Finnish workers for the Russian overlords as a storage facility, before being in private hands after the Americans purchased the territory. Not only a private home, it was also used as a boarding house for a period of time. Exhibits included kayaks, clothing, photos, cooking items, and furnishings. The guides were very knowledgable and keen to share.

Boy and Bear. And Eagle.

We then went to the Wildlife Rescue Centre which highlighted work their volunteers do especially with raptors. The raptor I photographed was not a rescue, he was just waiting for lunch to swim by.

Whale skeleton on display with Matt for scale.

A stop in at the mall to check out the local indie bookshop and toystore and a browse through "Big Ray's" sporting goods warehouse. Kind of like Anaconda but with nasty bang bangs.

Finally, some bar hopping as we visited the local brewery and distillery - and then hopped over the road to the cider house.

 

Enjoying the local Brown Ale and Gin in the rustic brewery

 

Many types of cider were made including pineapple (weird) and chilli types as well as the more normal dry style.

Final visit was to see the Orthodox Church but we didn't really have enough time to explore and still not be on the very last bus back to the port (or worse, trying to catch a taxi so we didn't miss the sailing!).

It was nice to have such a beautiful day - everyone told us how lucky we were with the clear skies and warm weather - to explore on terra firma. By 4pm we were back on board for the 5pm departure and enjoying cocktails in the observation lounge.

No odd snacks today but did see seals, bald eagles, ravens, and whales. Other lucky people saw puffins and sea otters!

But no bears, they were still in the woods.