A nice Kodiak Bear inside the local sporting goods store.
I put a pack of cigarettes next to the claws to show reference :
A nice Kodiak Bear inside the local sporting goods store.
I put a pack of cigarettes next to the claws to show reference :
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Sorry for the quality of some of these pics, it was raining like hell and I was tired of getting splashed as we killed time and explored. The visibility was very poor as you can see, so there wasn't much noteworthy. Still, some of you might be interested so I'll post the crappy ones anyway.
Random scenery South of town 30 miles :
This is where most documentaries discussing Kodiak Bears take their footage. When the salmon are running, hundreds of them congregate to feast. No fishing is allowed to the left of this picture due to the very high population of bears - this rule was instituted after a bunch of people got mauled or worse.
An old shipwreck out in the bay :
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NT, since you have unusual experience in doing telecom work in difficult/hardy places, maybe you do some temp work in a far different place. Like Ushuaia, or the Brazilian jungle?
For a change of pace.
And a fat salary...
After the game, the king and the pawn go into the same box - Author unknown
“Unfortunately, the truth is now whatever the media say it is”
-Abbey
I almost took a job in the Virgin Islands a few years ago, but the money wasn't there and we couldn't agree. Still, it was tempting because of the whole 'tropical paradise' thing and those beaches were gorgeous.
I wouldn't mind doing jobs in other remote locations, but our base of operations is here and logistics is a huge part of doing successful jobs. So, if there were a job in Brazil on a lonely mountain, I wouldn't know who the players are to get the job done, such as the best helicopter outfit or reliable freight carriers. Another big part of doing jobs in 3rd world countries is knowing who to bribe to make things go smoothly.
My biggest reluctance to do jobs in tropical areas is my fear of snakes. I can deal with grizzlies all day long and be comfortable in their turf, but snakes are treacherous. Spiders don't bother me, but the possibility of being bitten by a snake give me the heebie jeebies.
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Really, you just treat bears like you would a large, aggressive dog. If you show fear, that will trigger an attack when the bear is deciding whether or not to bring the pain. I will admit that holding a large caliber weapon makes being brave a lot easier in the face of a pissed off bruin!
I've been caught a few times without a weapon and it's hard as hell to stand your ground and not show fear when you know that in reality you're completely defenseless in hand-to-hand combat and all that's protecting you is your bluffing show of courage.
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Another excellent thread. Thank you again, NT!
Some of your pics show the places and landscapes very similar to those of Finland and Northern parts of Russia.
I have one question - when traveling to the Northern part of Alaska have you ever tasted the traditional cuisine of the Aleuts and Eskimos - dishes of stroganina (slices of frozen fish or meat served cold)?
Indifferent alike to praise or blame
Give heed, O Muse, but to the voice Divine
Fearing not injury, nor seeking fame,
Nor casting pearls to swine.
(A.Pushkin)
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed.
No, I definitely steer clear of traditional native dishes like Muktuk or fermented Beaver tail & feet, or whale. There's lots of horror stories floating around with white guys trying out traditional dishes and the resulting explosive reactions or even hospital visits. I'm of German descent and my biology isn't tuned to such foodstuffs.
Besides, the thought of burying Beaver tail & feet in the ground for a few weeks, then digging it up and eating it strikes me as very repulsive!
I'll stick to hamburgers, pizza and steak.
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It is a pity. On the contrary, I always taste local cuisine wherever I find myself, no matter how exotic they may be for Russians.
Americans have a good saying - "See America first!', and I am glad that you have the possibility to travel, see everything yourself and acquaint the others with what you've seen. It is a good basis for further comparisons. And in this respect I am very lucky man as before starting 'traveling' abroad I saw Russia from Carpathians to Kamchatka, from the Arctic areas with there 'White Nights' to Turkmenian deserts and Pamir mountains.
Indifferent alike to praise or blame
Give heed, O Muse, but to the voice Divine
Fearing not injury, nor seeking fame,
Nor casting pearls to swine.
(A.Pushkin)