Well!!
A little bit of a disappointment to say the least! Major anti-climax!
We went on a grizzly bear safari yesterday. Had booked with Hurricane Jack but because of circumstances beyound his control we were placed in the care of Discovery Marine Safaries. I think I would have been happier with Jack.
Left the dock at 1pm returning at 9pm. Traveled from Campbell River on Vancouver Island to the Orford River [2 hour trip] in The Bute Inlet on Mainland BC, Canada. Two boats, very comfortable, with 11 people on each. Our skipper, although quite young, was very responsible. Traveling to Orford River we passed some spectacular water features that occur because of the narrow channels, strong tidal currents and underwater rocks. Huge whirlpools, that just get bigger depending on the tide and standing waves.
On arrival at the river we were met by three grizzlys at the estuary, very promising. On landing we were met by 2 members of the local tribe [they have the rights] who ferried us around in 2 small buses between viewing platforms and areas where smaller rivers met we could stand on rocky / sandy beaches waiting to view these huge animals. We waited and waited, moving on only to wait some more.
Well we better head back as our 3 hours on the mainland was nearly up. Just about to arrive at our departure point when a juvenile [about 3 years old] walked out of the bush in front of our bus. My god Americans are loud and that probably didn’t help at our other viewing areas, they can’t shut up!!! No matter how many times they were told. Shut up, you’ll scare it away. Another thing, no flash photography, so they were flashing away! The bear was walking toward the bus, stopped directly in front, then it decided to take to the bush circling around us. We all clambered out of the safety of the bus to stand on the road waiting for it to reappear. I should say safety was paramount at all times and at no time were we put in danger. The guide had a loaded gun whenever we left the bus.
It did come out again behind the bus, gave us a cursory glance then ambled off.
I had come to see grizzlys eating salmon, I’d seen grizzlys before and closer. We were both pissed off.
Realisation set in on our trip back to Campbell River, these “are” wild animals. They don’t have a set timetable when to appear. We were fortunate to see them at all, the scenery was beautiful, it really wasn’t that bad a day.
I must add that our 3 night stay at Herons Landing has been great, wonderful breakfast and huge suite. More of an apartment really.
Grizzly
Grizzly off bus
