Today was quite possibly the coolest day ever. It might even surpass the Arenal volcano eruption. I don’t even know where to really start. I flew in a seaplane and got to sit in the co-pilot's seat both ways. I guess travelling solo does have an advantage every now and then. The mountains and volcanoes were spectacular.
I think I want to get a pilot's license. It's just so cool to be flying in a single engine Cessna over mountains and to feel the air beneath the wings, to see land formations, volcanoes, and snow-capped mountains. I saw bears catch and eat salmon in a waterfall. Bears are awesome! They are as cool, if not cooler, than sloths and monkeys. The way they walk, communicate, fish, it's all amazing! They are quite possibly the most patient creatures I've ever seen. They will wait for what seems like hours gazing into Brooks Falls eying salmon for lunch.
I got really close to a few, too close, oops, but that's okay. As I crossed the bridge over to the trail I was stopped because there were bears…cool. After that I didn't even care if I saw any more because that first encounter was so cool! And then I couldn't believe it when I got to Brooks Falls! There are no words to possibility describe it. I could have staid there forever. 
Bears will wait for what seems like hours trying to catch salmon.
I got stranded on the far side of the bridge trying to get back to my plane on Naknek Lake because a sow and four cubs wouldn't leave the area. They never left so my pilot radioed the ranger at the bridge for me to go to Brooks Lake…a mile and a half away. So I went, alone, through real bear country. I realized I should probably do the annoying clapping thing after I finally noticed that I didn't hear any noise other than my own footsteps and a few birds.
Two weeks ago in the Costa Rica torrential rainforest my favorite possession was my Marmot rain jacket. Today it was my bug clothes. They are worth every single penny! I saw people get eaten alive and I'm pretty sure I only got a few bites. The right gear is everything. It means the difference between enjoying an experience and being absolutely miserable. I doubt I will take off this shirt and pants for the next five weeks.
Those bears were so beautiful and real. And the mountains and volcanoes were gorgeous. It was so different than Costa Rica, which was also beautiful beyond words. It is impossible to convey today's experience at Katmai, but try to imagine me with the biggest grin humanly possible on my face…that's me right now. :-D
No I didn't help fly the plane; but I wanted to!