Our last day, very bittersweet. You always wish you have one more day at places like this. Was hard to get up this morning though, late nights don't agree with me but all for a good cause. After breakfast and checking out we made a dash for the bridge and it was open. We had decided that we wouldn't go back to the falls but hang out on the lower platform for an hour or so to make sure we were back for our flight, plus how you could beat last night.

Well, that was the plan...the bears had other ideas. It was closed soon after we made it over and it wasn't re-opened again, not while we were there anyway but more to that later. We spent and incredible 2.5hr watching bears coming from all angles, swimming, playing, resting and just hanging out. A few families wandered by, the mama with spring cubs decided to take a nap at the entrance to the bridge on the other side and then she decided to tree her cubs (run them up the tree) while she went fishing out on the lake. Good little kids, they didn't move but considering it was right next to the bridge, it kept the bridge closed for everyone.

You can always tell the people that have come to Brooks for the first time, probably how we were. It is just such a joyous occasion to see so many bears in the wild. People slowly started coming back from the falls and some people get quite annoyed by the bridge closure and it is easy to understand why. The rangers are so vigilant over on the camp side and close the bridge or tell you to get off the trails but once you are on the other side of the bridge you are on your own and off you go. They also tell people if they want to get across to the other side of the bridge, hire waders and walk across the river, just keep 50yards. Not going to be much good if one comes out of the bushes. It just doesn't make sense. Also, the rangers have to stay 50yards away unless they have done the 'bear management' training. You would think rangers posted to Katmai National Park which has the bear concentration that is does (and why people come) would all have that training. Anyway, not much you can do but just hang out and wait.

At 11.30am guy appeared under the platform and asked for those on the 12pm flight. About 14 of us put up our hand. He had bought a boat over to the beach to come and collect us. He took half over and while we were waiting on the beach, the bear that had treed her cubs, came over to investigate. What a way to end our stay at Brooks.

So we finally made it to the other side, and at 12pm were loaded onto our float planes (a bit bigger one this time) and off we went and as we took off, we could still those poor people stuck on the platform and a few bears on the beach to say goodbye to. Arrived at King Salmon and taken to the airport where we checked in. Wandered over to a restaurant (use that term loosely) for something to eat since we had over 2 hours to kill. Slowest service ever and then we were told she couldn't confirm that we would get our food in time...what, we have almost 2hrs. Guess they were busier then planned. Anyway, mum and I ordered some appertisers and they came out about 2.30pm. Wandered back over to the airport (and use that term loosely too) to be advised our plane would be delayed as the incoming flight was still in the air and due at 4.55pm (we were meant to fly out at 4pm). Alaska time well in play but we finally made it. Flying PenAir, you don't actually have to go through security or screening. Unsure why but not going to argue with it.

Arriving into Anchorage, we had an aborted landing. The pilot then apologised and advised there had been a vehicle on the runway. Someone obviously doesn't understand about not parking on a runway and I'm guessing they will be in trouble. Finally landed in the sunshine and back to the hotel, to repack our bags for the next 3 days. We are getting the train to Talkeetna tomorrow and hopefully a sightseeing flight in the afternoon and then onto Denali for a couple of days. Hopefully the wonders of Alaska continue to amaze.