Just Going Back To My Fishin' Hole
FEATURED IN BEARS OF THE WORLD GROUP ON 9-05-2009.
© Deb Larson SONY A900; f/5.6; 1/160 sec.; ISO-800; 400 mm; 4-5.6 70/400 SSM Sony Lens. Straight from camera.
8-17-2009 dawned as another beautiful day, which was a VERY welcome sight (after having quite a few days of rain) especially for those who lived in or along the flooded areas, from the Skilak Lake area south to the mouth of the Kenai River. Since the water was about 5 or more feet above the top of the boat launch here at Riverbend (the campground where we spend most of our time during the summer months) we decided we would take a little drive and check out some of the other flooded areas. This shot was taken at the Isaac Walton State campground just off the Sterling Highway, Sterling, Alaska where the Kenai River meets the Moose river … doesn’t look like we are going to find many dry spots here for someone to put up a tent.
After leaving the Isaac Walton campground, we continued North to Fueding Lane, which would lead us into the Kenai Keys area. It wasn’t long before we realized that we couldn’t get there from here as the road was under water. We turn back and figure we’ll continue heading North and take the Skilak Lake road and check out Skilak Lake. Now, to explain the flooding … a glacial damn located in the mountains above Skilak Lake gave way, dumping into Skilak Lake which in turn flooded the Kenai River south of the lake. We found the lakes to be pretty high, walked around a bit then continued on our way. We were almost to the end of Skilak lake road (had maybe another 4.5 to 5 miles to go), when we came across this young grizzly. We had been wondering how the bears were making out with the water so high since they didn’t have access to the (fresh fish) or the many filleted out carcasses that litter the banks of the Russian and Kenai Rivers during the summer months. We spoke to some people who had been watching this bear for a while, they said he kept going into the culvert that ran under the road, then would come out with a fish, eat it and then go back in … they also stated that a couple of hikers had scared off a large boar that had been in the area shortly before we came along. So sure enough there he goes back towards the edge of the culvert, he stops for a moment as if to let us take another shot or two then disappears into the culvert.
It was really amazing to be standing there in the road, above the very culvert that this young bear had entered, and be able to listen to the noise that seemed to echo from inside the culvert as this young bear thrashed around trying to catch himself another fish. It doesn’t take long … and here he comes … with another fish dangling from his jaws.
He heads off to the edge of the woods where he lays down his fish, looks around, then proceeds to devour it (you could actually hear the crunching of the fish bones as he bit into his much prized meal … and as we stood, watched and listened some of the bystanders turned to the person next to them and asked if they could also hear the that crunching noise). Once he was done, he started back out into the open, paused and looked around (you have to wonder what is going through his mind) as if he wanted to make sure that everyone was able to get some great shots of him.
He then starts back towards the small creek and his fishing pool (inside the culvert) when we hear this loud thundering noise coming down the road, the noise startles him
and he quickly flees back into the edge of the woods (one would have to wonder if he felt he was invisible once he crossed that line from full view to partial view). He stands silently, waiting and watching as he tries to figure out just what is making that loud noise, and there appears a tour van loaded with people towing a trailer loaded down with kayaks … they stop for a couple minutes to check out the bear … then proceed on their way.
Once he sees that the loud vehicle has managed to escape his area, he figures it is safe to come back out and carry on with his fishing expedition.
He nears the edge of the stream, stops for a few moments as if to make sure that it was safe to enter the stream …
once he was back in the water, he stood still allowing for some more photos to be taken …
then before we knew it, he was headed back into the culvert … to seek out another prize fish which he could make disappear in a matter of minutes. At this point Rick felt it was time to move on … while I wished that we could have stayed a little longer to watch and enjoy one of God’s creatures in the wild, doing what comes natural to them.
We were so glad to see that even a young bear can come up with a safe and clever way to put food in his belly without having to resort to visiting the nearest dumpster (or someone’s outside garbage bins) and thereby becoming a nuisance bear.
~ We give thanks to this young bear for providing us with another adventure filled day … on the Kenai Peninsula ~
Rick’s favorite image from my recent bear shots.
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Margaret Shark
I could almost count the hairs on this fellow. What a fantastic capture. The detail is beautiful, even to the leaves on the left of the bear. The whole story of your encounter is a delight. Thanks for sharing it. Congrats.
Rick & Deb Larson replied
WOW …. THANKS SO MUCH Margaret for your high praise … you’ve definitely made my evening!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Sean Jansen
What a awesome capture !! Amazing detail on this !
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Sean THANKS SO MUCH, much appreciated!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Liane Pinel
Gorgeous! Loved the story and all the shots but this is my fav:)
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Liane THANKS SO VERY MUCH for stopping by, your kind comment and your fave … truly appreciate it!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Marvin Collins
Wow!! This is impressive, instant fav!!
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Marvin THANKS SO VERY MUCH … and thank you for the fave, really appreciate your kindness!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Lynda McDonald
a fabulous capture !
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Lynda THANKS SO MUCH … he really is a little beauty and I am so glad that we stumbled across him/her!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
J Kirk Friede...
Great shot..
Rick & Deb Larson replied
THANKS SO VERY MUCH J Kirk Friederich, really appreciate your kindness!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
connieinwi
Fantastic shots… Gorgeous bear… Love this…
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Connie THANKS SO MUCH for stopping by and for your very kind comment, much appreciated!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Angie McKenzie
super capture!! i do hope you submit this image to a wild/nature mag!
Rick & Deb Larson replied
OH Angie … *THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH … Rick and I are tossing that idea around (making contact with wildlife magazines) ... Barbara Burkhardt (a redbubbler from Austrailia) was just up here vacationing in Alaska, we got to meet her and her husband … she told us that we need to go search out mag’s that fit the style of photos we take and then get in touch with the publisher and give them our website address and then wait and see what happens … but it’s kind of like a giant step that is a little hard to get started at, lol. Thank you for your big vote of confidence, I truly appreciate it and I am so glad that this photo seems to be a big hit … it was Rick’s favorite pick from all my bear shots that I took on the 17th … that’s why I chose it to attach to the other photos that I wanted to include with the full story from that day of photo opting. Take Care Angie … ~ Deb ~ :)
Luann wilslef
Great images!
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hey Luann THANKS SO VERY MUCH, really appreciate your kindness!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Marjorie Wallace
Awesome capture.
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Margorie THANKS SO VERY MUCH, really appreciate your stopping by and your kindness!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
LYNETTE EVANS
Wow fabulous details on this hungry looking bear…what a shot.
Rick & Deb Larson replied
THANKS SO VERY MUCH Lyn, really appreciate your kindness!! Hope all is well. Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Patricia Anne ...
THIS would make a NEAT piture book story! he really is a beautiy! You were lucky to see him and WOW SO COOL!
Rick & Deb Larson replied
THANKS SO VERY MUCH Patricia, much appreciated … and so kind of you to mention that it would make a nice picture book story … how cool that would be!! He was so much fun to watch. Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Renee Dawson
Great capture Deb and I love the composition. I think this might be one of my favorites to date :)
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Renee THANKS SO MUCH!!! This is Rick’s favorite of all the shots I took on the 17th … and I have to say that I am also partial to this one … I love how he is standing amongst all the green and the trees, couldn’t have asked for a more natural setting/backdrop. Thanks again and Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Sharon Mau
I love this one, it is sensational!!
Rick & Deb Larson replied
WOW…THANKS SO VERY VERY MUCH Sharon … I am so glad that this one is looking like it is going to be a hit!! The main photo is Rick’s favorite … and I must admit it is also one of mine too. Thanks again and Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Scott d'Almeida
stunning images
Rick & Deb Larson replied
THANK YOU Scott, your kindness is truly appreciated!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Tim Denny
Another nice take here, good job Deb
Rick & Deb Larson replied
THANKS SO MUCH Tim, of all the photos I took that day this one is Rick’s favorite (I think he chose well)!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
ilpo laurila
Great capture Rick & Deb
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi ilpo THANKS SO VERY MUCH for stopping by and leaving such a kind comment, it is truly appreciated!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Beve Brown-Clark
Smart bear!!! Great captures….I see they are fattening up nicely!
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Beve THANKS SO MUCH … really appreciate your kindness!! LOL, he is definitely an ingenious and healthy looking bear … he had the fishing thing down pat and didn’t have to fight another bear to get to the fish. Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Lois Bryan
Deb … i was about to “yell” at you for being too close but got so caught up in your amazing story … and remembering you have that 600mm lens (or is it 1,000 now??) I knew you were safe. But oh golly-dayzzz, girl … what an adventure!!! WHAT an adventure!!!!!!!!!
Rick & Deb Larson replied
LOL Lois … um (mumbling now … can you tell?) I was using my 400 mm and I was standing in the road (actually this vehicle drove up and this guy spoke to me out of his passenger window … told me I was too close … I was standing in front of the truck close enough that I thought if there was a problem … I could dart around on the drivers side and pop into the back seat). I tend to get a little carried away when it comes to seeing wildlife … it’s that additional adrenaline I guess, lol. But isn’t he a beautiful bear?? He was so much fun to watch (and listen too … you would have laughed if you had been there and heard the noises that came from the culvert when he was inside … so cool!!!). Looks like my bear hunting is coming to an end … we are packing up the motor home and heading home in the next couple of days < sigh >. All good things (and times) must come to an end, right? Today we took the boat down to Homer, headed out to the seabird rookery, got real close to a sleeping sea otter (so CUTE!!) and did a little fishing in the bay … was a GREAT and FUN day (can’t wait to look at our photos). THANKS SO MUCH for the visit and kind words, truly appreciate your continued support!! HUGE HUGS from the Keani and Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Tadoette
wonderful!
Rick & Deb Larson replied
THANKS SO VERY MUCH Tadoette, much appreciated!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Joyce Dickens,...
Wow!! This is impressive, excellent fine detail!!
JD
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Joyce THANKS SO VERY MUCH, truly appreciated!! He made my day!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Barbara Burkhardt
he looked tired eh? all that work, much harder than taking the fisherman’s catch. Great series, great story line
Rick & Deb Larson replied
LOL Barb … yeah this guy had to work for his fresh fish (his ears must have rung for days after thrashing around in that culvert) but it’s so nice to know that he is becoming one skilled fisherman. THANKS SO MUCH Dear Friend!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Anthony Comella
Wonderful viewing – captured very well!!
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Anthony THANKS SO Very MUCH for stopping by and leaving such a kind comment, much appreciated!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
NordicBlackbird
Brilliant image!!! :))))))
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Nat THANKS SO MUCH for stopping by and leaving such a kind comment, much appreciated!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Gail Bridger
Absolutely wonderful shooting, lucky girl!! We think we are invincible with a camera in our hands, I have been told too that maybe I was getting too close! :) And, it was only a black bear!! Stunning shots!! :)x
Rick & Deb Larson replied
THANKS SO VERY MUCH dear Gail … truly appreciate your kindness!! LOL … no matter how much we know that wild life is just that ‘WILD’ ... I swear, there is something in us that over rides our common sense and tends to put us in some ‘not so bright situations.’ Must have something to do with the placement of the moon (LOL). We always seem to want to push the limit … when it comes to wildlife … I DO admit that that is not always the brightiest thing to do … but we do it anyway (and we tell our kids to use common sense … maybe we should practice what we preach … yeah, like that is gonna happen … what can I say?). Thanks again Dear Friend. Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Rick & Deb Larson replied
P.S. Gail … they do say that a black bear is more unpredictable then a grizzly … I can’t say that I might not have stood outside the vehicle if this had been a black bear, as I haven’t encountered that situation as yet … but I would hope that I would think it through a little more … and it would depend on whether there were other people there or not as they were with the grizzly. So DO Be CAREFUL, my friend ~ Deb ~ :)
photodivaanna
What a gorgeous creature. It must’ve been exhilirating to be so close. You did an amazing job. I love the details.
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi photodivaanna THANKS SO VERY MUCH for stopping by and for your kind comment, it is greatly appreciated!! It was just AWESOME to have had this opportunity. Thanks again and Take Care ~ Deb ~ :)
Kay Kempton Raade
congrats on the feature!!
Rick & Deb Larson replied
What an AWESOME surprise … THANKS SO MUCH for your kind words of congrats, I truly appreciate your kindness!!! Take Care and hope that you are having a great weekend ~ Deb ~ :)
The InnerNorth...
thats a BIG wombat there mate ?
Rick & Deb Larson replied
LOL, the bigger the better … THANKS SO VERY MUCH InnerNorth, for stopping by and commenting on my photo, much appreciated!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ ☺
lorilee
A wonderful capture!!!!!! A fun read!!!!!
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Lori THANKS SO VERY MUCH, glad that you enjoyed the story behind the captures, your kindness is greatly appreciated!! Take Care ~ Rick & Deb ~ ☺
RickF
Fantastic Capture!
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Rick THANKS SO VERY MUCH for stopping by and leaving such a kind comment, much appreciated!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ ☺
AnnieSnel
Great photography! It is sensational Deb! Were you not afraid he or she is so close to you? (We have no bears in Holland only in the zoo)
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Annie THANKS SO MUCH, really apperciate your kindness!! Was I afraid? ... that never came to mind while I was standing out there watching, listening to and photographing this bear, I think it’s the excitement or adrenaline rush that one feels when they are in this situation … it’s the after moments when you realize how dumb you might have been, or that you weren’t as careful as you should have been … but wait until the next time and the excitement takes over once again and we enter that ‘dumb’ arena once again (I am talking about me, LOL). Thanks again and Take Care ~ Deb ~ ☺
AnnieSnel
Now I understand why you always say at the end of your description “Take Care” LOL :-)
Rick & Deb Larson replied
LOL Annie, I never even thought of that … but it does apply doesn’t it? And I am going to say it again … Take Care ~ Deb ~ ☺
Anne-Marie Bok...
ll your bear shots are so beautiful! Are you living close to the area where all these wonderful animals live?
Rick & Deb Larson replied
THANK YOU SO MUCH Anne-Marie, your kindness is truly appreciated!! This area is about a 4 hour drive from where we live, but during the summer we spend our time on the Lower Kenai River, and this shot was taken about a 40 minute drive North of where we camp. Thanks again and Take Care ~ Deb ~ ☺
Sharon Mau
Aloha Deb, congratulations on your feature today in Alaska ~ Beyond Your Dreams
Aloha ‘oe,
Sharon
17 October 2009
Rick & Deb Larson replied
WOW … this is so exciting!! THANKS SO VERY MUCH Sharon for this feature … what an awesome surprise!! now I’m Happy Dancin’ for me Take Care ~ Deb ~ ☺
Ken McElroy
Congratulations!
Your image above was featured in our telephoto lens group;
300+ Go Long! . . . . . . . . . . . . . Masters of the Telephoto
Rick & Deb Larson replied
WOW Ken, THANKS SO VERY VERY MUCH for this feature … it is quite an honor to be featured with so many other talented photographers!! Thanks so much Guys, I truly appreciate your kindness!! happy dancin’ Take Care ~ Deb ~ ☺
Martin Smart
Nice shot Deb!! Congratulations on the well deserved features!
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Martin THANKS SO VERY VERY MUCH for your kind words of congrats, truly appreciated my friend!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ ☺
Torfinn Johann...
Excellent shot!
Rick & Deb Larson replied
Hi Torfinn THANKS SO VERY MUCH for your kindness my friend, much appreciated!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ ☺
Ann J. Przyojski 3 days ago
AMAZING.
Rick & Deb Larson replied 3 days ago
THANKS SO MUCH Ann, really appreciate your kindness!! Take Care ~ Deb ~ ☺