Roaring winds pushed and pulled on our canvas walls last night, resulting in a fitful night’s sleep. When the tent flaps rustled again at 7:00 a.m. we feared the wind had returned. But no, it was only a wake-up call. We unzipped the door to find guides Kate and Tim waiting, steaming cups of coffee and tea in hand. Now that’s what I call room service.
Husband Tim and I sipped our hot drinks, then emerged from the tent to find a breakfast of eggs, bacon and fried potatoes, cooked and ready to eat.
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| This is what a loaded raft looks like. Chena has her life vest on and she's raring to go. |
The rafts were packed and loaded by ten—an early start on the river. We faced tough paddling again today with several hours of rolling waves and rough current. Tired out by late afternoon we pulled the rafts onto Dewey Beach, an area of tidal flats and soft sand.
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| Second night's camp along the banks of Dewey Creek. |
After pitching the tents, Guide Tim led Yag, Deepa and I on a short walk along the banks of Dewey Creek. We found bear scat and tracks—the first time in my life I’d ever seen evidence of Grizzly Bears. It’s both frightening and exhilarating to know we’re not at the top of the food chain on this river.
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| The front paw track of a Grizzly Bear. The rear paws are twice as large and... these prints were only 50 yards away from our tents! |
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| This paw print shows the indentations of the Grizzly's very large and very unnerving claws. |
Kate had dinner waiting when we arrived in camp. We shared stories of “Grizzly sign” sightings while feasting on Chicken Adobo, a Filipino concoction of chicken, rice and vegetables.
After dinner Guide Tim serenaded us with guitar music. Even the relentless mosquitoes couldn’t drain our enthusiasm for Tim’s soothing melodies.
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| Guide Tim (seated in the red jacket) strums a tune for us. To keep the mosquitoes at bay, notice the head nets worn by Yag (standing) and Husband Tim (right). |
