September 1, 2023

I was supposed to go on a float plane to Lake Clark National Park to watch grizzly bears, however high winds cancelled my trip. The alternate plan was some hiking around several trails in Chugach National Forest. First stop was Byron Glacier trail which followed a river up to a nice view of the glacier. There was still snow down lower and covering part of the river. Some tourists were walking on the snow, so I warned them against it as the snow looked thick from one side but was obviously very thin from being caved out by the river on the other side. Down the road was Portage glacier which has receded away from the water and is now land locked. Just before the tunnel to Whittier was a great view of numerous glaciers coming down all the valleys. I stopped at a fish viewing area where lots of chum and sockeye salmon were spawning. Even a black bear was interested and crossed the river close to the viewing platform. Continuing up the road, I stopped to walk several sections of the Blue Ice trail and Moose Flats. This offered nice views of some lakes and a marsh. The last stop was at Potters Marsh where it was super windy. I saw numerous ducks, geese and a pair of swans.