Tuesday 10th September 58.05 N. 154.32 W.
Today begins two of the days that will be one of the highlight of this trip. The search for bears in Geographic Harbour part of the Katmai National Park and tomorrow morning we sail deep into Uganik Sound on Kodiak Island.
We dream of opportunities like these and they do not often come lightly or without its share of problems. Ours began the day after the stormy crossing from Nome to the Islands when something broke in the window surrounds of our Cabin 553 causing this loud and annoying rattle in the bulkhead near the head of our bed. Sleep was nearly impossible. We made it known to staff at reception and a maintenance man gave it his best efforts on two occasions without being able to fix it. We asked for a change of cabin and were told none were available unless we upgraded two levels to a suite at the cost of over $2.000.00 EACH. Outraged we went for the big guns and fired off emails in the middle of the night. At first nothing, then a response from our Travel Agent. Yes, we still use one, I know you can do it all yourself on the internet but as ours says in their Blurb, Book with us and you are not on your own. She replied that she had contacted Hurtigruten’s office in Melbourne who would be in touch with the ship. A few hours later after another near sleepless night as we walked to breakfast past the reception desk, it was all “Good morning Mr Yeates” “How is your wife this morning?” We have found and empty cabin on deck 7 with a small balcony, would you like to look at it” “Would you like help moving your things”? We replied. Well. Wonderful. No thank you we can manage.
So when you want mountains moved Angela at Croydon Travel is your girl. Get in touch with her here travel@croydontravel.com.au Don’t forget. Ask for Angela who is their Cruise specialist.
Refreshed after decent sleep our first trip out did not go well, the sea was a bit choppy and we were nearly last away. Ilze hanging on for grim death says she did see a black rock moving which could just as easily have been a cow and after over an hour, wet and cold we returned on board with just one brief sighting. After a short crossing to Kodiak, Pete ventured out alone and returned hours later grinning like a loon and humming that well known tune from the children’s TV show Play School.
There were Bears in there.
Only 5 and we could not get too close due to low water so my photos are from a bit far away.
As usual I pinched one
dipidydoo 