Brooks Falls Day 2

We started the day with breakfast at the lodge.  I was anxious to get back out to the falls but it was foggy and I didn't relish walking through the woods and not being able to see the path clearly.  We didn't have to leave the dining room to see bears though.  A mom and her large cub ran right under the window and roamed around through the woods.  A range came and watched the bear to make sure it wouldn't go to any of the cabins.  Of course that is exactly what the bears did.  They walked to the cabins and between them.  The ranger took off her jacket and swung it around to harass the bears to move on. They ignored her,  Another ranger showed up, this time with a gun that shot rubber bullets in case it was needed.  That ranger was hurrying too much and slid down the wet, grassy slope. The bears finally conceded and moved on to block the bridge.

We gathered our gear and waited with the others until the bridge was reopened.  There was a lot to watch whle we waited.  Besides the mother and cub near the bridge there was another mother bear with two cubs further upriver, an older female resting on the spit, and float planes arriving with day trippers.  

After crossing the bridge we watched bears from the Lower River platform a bit. Breland decided to stay there and I went on to the falls,...ALONE!!  Fortunately I caught up to a lively group of young photographers and walked with them about halfway.  The girls in the group asked for a halt about half way so that they could use the restrooms.  I wanted to get to the falls and went on.  I caught up to another hiker and went on with her.  Fortunately we did not encounter any bears until we were on the raised walkway and could see them below. 

The morning at the falls was just perfect...sunny with just enough clouds to soften the light.  The bears were constantly fishing.  It was interesting to watch the ongoing struggle for dominance.  Here's a photo of an argument between two bears over a prime fishing spot.  They roared at each other and postured threateningly.  Finally the larger of the two won and the other bear meekly walked away.