Haines AK

August 15: Edna’s up and started day at 7:30 with 4 loads of wash at the laundry. By the time chores were done and breakfast finished it was 11:00. The museum and the Indian Center does not open till 1:00 PM on Sunday so we will skip. We are only going 9 miles  Stopped at a small fish store and bought some fresh salmon on the way to Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area On the way to the campground you drive along the narrow park road beside the river. This is salmon fishing season for both man and bear, and both were sharing the river. There was a mama brown bear (coastal grizzly) and two cubs , some fishermen got out of the water and some stayed in fishing. You are supposed to get out of the water and give the bear plenty of space.

Found a campsite, campground was pretty full. Some fishermen were packing up to leave and told us we could have their site. They said it was one of the best ones, and we agree they were right. Set up camp and went and paid the $10.00 fee in the self registration box.

Later, we walked down to the lake and on down the river where the bears were earlier. No bears, however talked to a park ranger and he explained the fish wier and salmon count procedure. On the way back we watched two eagles fishing. They were sitting on a dead tree hanging over the river and suddenly one hopped into this swift running current. He got his fish and it was so big he had to paddle with his wings to get it to shore.

Had our salmon for dinner, made a few postcards from our pictures and planned our next day down the Haines Highway.