Lions & Tigers and Bears! Oh MY!

To the best of my knowledge there are no lions or tigers running wild in Alaska.  There are, however, Bears and Eagles and Harbor Seals and all other sorts of animal life running/swimming around.  Today I saw my first bear and I also saw eagles and ducks.  It was a warm , sunny, all together gorgeous day, and I am truly blessed to have been here on such a great day!

The passengers I drove were warm and engaging, not to mention very generous with their tips.  They laughed, I laughed, and everything just came together as it should.  I know not every day is going to be like today, and that's ok.  I'm just happy I had today!

A little more about the bears.  I mentioned today that if while visiting the Mendenhall Glacier people took the opportunity to walk out to the falls, that there was a very good possibility they would happen upon some bear cubs that have been very active in the area this week.  A couple of people looked at me and said "You  mean in the wild, without a cage?"  Trying not to giggle I responded "Yes, in the wild"  they then Said they were nervous about that idea, and weren't sure they wanted to see bear cubs.  I then encouraged them by saying "You came to Alaska instead of the San Diego Zoo!  Go see the bears and have a little adventure!"  They said they would, and when they got back on the bus they were thrilled to have seen bears!  All our visitors are always so in awe of the wildlife, and it would be a shame not to experience Juneau at it's best!

I also got to have a conversation with a gentleman who was traveling all over Alaska with just a backpack of his belongings before going back to work.  He recently moved back to the states after having lived in Australia for 20 years.  I found out he's a physician, and that after 20 years abroad he thought it was time to come "home".  During our conversation we talked about the plans Larry & I have of going to Italy, and how my being in Alaska was an adventure that was paying for that upcoming trip.  He stated I must have a wonderful husband to be able to come on such an adventure, and I couldn't have agreed MORE!  I do!  He also stated that I must have a naturally adventurous spirit to be willing to come here for the summer.  I don't know about that, but I sure do like the sound of it!

TTFN

~~miriam