ruttinbuc Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 I spotted a big black bear crossing a washout high up the slope of Iron Mountain. It seemed all the black bears were high. Using the old saying, "if the game don't come to you, go to the game," I decided to head up the mountain the next day. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done in a hunting situation. I crossed a big delta just to get to the base. Was senseless trying to find a thin spot to cross. My feet being wet most of the time there anyway I just plowed right through the rushing currents. The slope was almost straight up and I found hemlock, spruce and alders thicker than you could imagine. The ground was wet below the heavy cover and the Devils club was everywhere. I fell more than I could count, but I continued on to reach the cover above where I saw the bear cross. The quiver on my bow had came loose and I lost two arrows to the grabbing tangles I fought through. I left my hat at a place of rest, forgetting to put it back on as I continued the quest. I reached a grassy wedge that I had to crawl up and then using the alders like a ladder I climbed into a big meadow of fire weed. The slope felt like it wanted to roll me down the mountain. I moved cautiously to the thin patch of alders where the bear had crossed and set up and waited. It seemed like forever as the bear did not show. I took pictures all the way to the spot, but for some reason once there the camera keep telling me to change batteries. I did so only to have it have me shaking my head. I got it working again at a rest stop on my way down. The trip down was worse than going up. I fell that many more times and on one occasion I went butt over tin cups and landed hard. I lay there and waited until I was sure nothing was broken before I continued on. I was lucky where I fell as there were the jagged broken limbs of a fallen spruce sticking up like daggers and a large sharp rock nearby. Once to the bottom I realized I had lost the Anaconda .44 that was my companion on the trip. Kathleen had let me borrow it from day one just in case. Can never be too careful in bear and moose country. I went back up to the spot where I flipped and found the gun right where I thought it would be. Ever so thankful I made my way to the bottom again and wearily walked back to the road. I didn't regret any of it. I gave it my best effort. I can say I climbed a mountain once in my life. The slide show is of the great views of the city limits of Seward, AK, Resurrection Bay and views east and north of town. Click on the picture... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
too_pointer Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 Beautiful pics RB. !!! Dang, I miss you bud !! I will make sure our paths cross again. Leave it to you to think you are a mountain goat LOL. :bang: too_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 great slide show, mike. you survived a day in alaska. some don't. life is a little tougher up there, isn't it? that's why i stay on the ocean and eat fish, crabs, clams, oysters and deer. all close to the water. the devils club is a club you don't want to join, also. dang. i'm signed in on dakota's account. steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OJR Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 Some awesome pictures and country! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrow32 Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 Great story. Those are some amazing pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 Great slide show Mike. Too bad you did not have that .300 for the bear that day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KirkV Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 Nice pictures Mike and one heck of a trip EH? Kirk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
layin on the smackdown Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 Awesom pics RB!!! sonds like quite the adventure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruttinbuc Posted September 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 great slide show, mike. you survived a day in alaska. some don't. life is a little tougher up there, isn't it? that's why i stay on the ocean and eat fish, crabs, clams, oysters and deer. all close to the water. the devils club is a club you don't want to join, also. dang. i'm signed in on dakota's account. steve Yes, it is a bit harder up there. Alaskans are a hardy lot for sure. Great slide show Mike. Too bad you did not have that .300 for the bear that day. I had to use my bow there, William. That side of the mountain was in the city limits. Nice pictures Mike and one heck of a trip EH? Kirk Yes it was, Kirk as you know first hand from your hike with Kathleen through the mess. Awesom pics RB!!! sonds like quite the adventure! It was quite the adventure indeed, Dan! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 great photos, mike. as you now see, life in alaska is life or death on a daily basis. you won. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted September 9, 2009 Report Share Posted September 9, 2009 Postcard quality shots Mike. Breath taking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkneck Posted September 10, 2009 Report Share Posted September 10, 2009 Postcard quality shots Mike. Breath taking. Absolutely. Great story and slide show Mike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.