Morty's Camp Diary: July 2009

Just a quick note about our camp mascot, the Golden Crowned Sparrow. Today was the loveliest of days. It was so warm, sunny and breezy I had hung some towels and clothes out on the line to dry. Towards evening, I walked out to bring them in, and don't you know, in front of me on the path was that precocious little birdy! He saw me coming and hopped in front of me staying just far enough ahead of me to feel safe. I stopped walking and so did he. He cocked his head and just looked at me. I took a step or two in his direction, and he hopped a step or two away as well. This went on all the way to the wash line. Then he hopped into the trees, and I couldn't see him anymore.
Of course, I didn't have my camera with me! I did get my camera and tried to find him, but he was nowhere in sight. I gave up and put away my camera. I just know I'll see more of him whenever I don't have my camera!
We don't hear him sing his 3 note song anymore. That is his mating call, and he must have found a mate because he's still around, but he doesn't sing anymore. I have seen him on the ground several times, and twice right on the path. I have a feeling he's building a nest. Or I like to think so anyway. I think he's got raising a family on his mind! I'm happy for him.

Butterfly at Hallo Bay

Hallo Bay Butterfly
Does anybody know the name?
Fannie © Hallo Bay Camp

Guests: 073109 Visit to Hallo Bay Camp

International Guests and Crew at Hallo Bay Camp!
Overnight Guests and Day Trippers
Simyra © Hallo Bay Camp

WEATHER: Friday 073109

Observed Weather at Hallo Bay Camp
7:00 AM

Weather Conditions: Blue sky w/some clouds
Visibility: 6 miles
Ceiling: 10,000 feet
Wind: 3 mph out of NW
Wind Gusts: to 5 mph
Current Temp: 46F 7.78c
High Daytime Temp Yesterday: 52F 11.11
Barometric Pressure: 30.03 and rising rapidly
Outside Humidity: 92%
Rainfall: 0.03 Total inches last 24 hours
(24 hour period begins at midnight)
Rainfall: 9.67 Total inches for July
Rainfall: 17.58 Total inches since May 12, 2009
Observed Sea Swell off Beach: Calm to 1.0 feet
Homer Webcam
Tigger Forecast: no report...
Actual Sunrise: 6:03 AM AKDT
Actual Sunset: 10:50 PM AKDT
Civil Twilight Sunrise: 5:03 AM
Civil Twilight Sunset: 11:48 PM
Moon Rise: 8:34 PM
Moon Set: 12:17 AM
Moon: Waxing Gibbous, 76% of the Moon illuminated
Length of Visible Light: 18h 45m
Length of Day: 16h 46m
Tomorrow will be 4m 44s shorter
Have a Safe Day
This date in Alaska History: July 31, 1869 -
The steamer Active arrived in Sitka with former Secretary of State William H. Seward and his party on board.

John's Camp Diary: July 2009

First thing yesterday morning, a bear disappeared at bootleg, then a grey wolf stepped out from alders surveyed serenity of Bay briefly, and then vanished in very alders it came from. Guests took many fresh track pictures. A few bears in meadow in evening time, including very large male who seemed to get along with most neighbors. One golden haired female bedded down at base of cliff in loose gravel .... sunlight gave her coat an angelic aura. Wonderful evening!

WEATHER: Thursday 073009

Observed Weather at Hallo Bay Camp
7:00 AM

Weather Conditions: Cloudy
Visibility: 40 miles
Ceiling: 5,000 feet
Wind: 4 mph out of NE
Wind Gusts: to 5 mph
Current Temp: 49F 9.44c
High Daytime Temp Yesterday: 58F 14.44c
Barometric Pressure: 30.05 and falling slowly
Outside Humidity: 96%
Rainfall: 0.00 Total inches last 24 hours
(24 hour period begins at midnight)
Rainfall: 8.16 Total inches for July
Rainfall: 16.07 Total inches since May 12, 2009
Observed Sea Swell off Beach: calm to 1.0 feet
Homer Webcam
Tigger Forecast: no report
Actual Sunrise: 6:00 AM AKDT
Actual Sunset: 10:52 PM AKDT
Civil Twilight Sunrise: 5:00 AM
Civil Twilight Sunset: 11:51 PM
Moon Rise: 7:25 PM
Moon Set: No Moon Set
Moon: Waxing gibbous, 67% of Moon illuminated
Length of Visible Daylight: 18h 51m
Length of Day: 16h 51m
Tomorrow will be 4m 41s shorter
Have a Safe Day
This date in Alaska History: July 30, 1904 - The USS Burnside, laying a telegraph cable between Seattle and Sitka, sent the first message over the cable.

Bears: Cub Time by C Anderson/TX

Cub Time!
Chris Anderson © Texas

John's Camp Diary: July 2009

A sleepy boy was at Clint's Creek in morning. He scratched his armpit, rump, shin, and rolled over to repeat everything. Then he stretched front legs, put his head on the sand for a bit. Eventually he sat up, scratched some more, and then went back to sleep.

We saw Earmuffs in meadow. This is the first time since last year. A bigger male showed up, so Earmuffs went to the next meadow to find a windmill threatening. Two consecutive big males in meadow in evening in driving wind and rain. There was one lummox near camp, but he didn't cause any trouble!

SIDE NOTE:
Earmuffs got his name cause looks like he is wearing earmuffs.

WEATHER: Wednesday 072909

Observed Weather at Hallo Bay Camp
7:00 AM

UPDATE:

8:30 AM Hallo Bay Camp
8:30 AM McNeil Bear Camp

Weather Conditions: Cloudy
Partly cloudy, mostly blue sky
Blue sky patches of clouds
Visibility: 40 miles
40 miles
20 miles, passes are clear
Ceiling: 1,500 feet
80% blue sky
blue sky patches of clouds
Wind: 14 mph out of NE
11 mph out of SE
6 mph out of NE
Wind Gusts: to 18 mph
to 15 mph
Current Temp: 52F 11.11c
High Daytime Temp Yesterday: 54F 12.22c
Barometric Pressure: 29.86 and rising steady
29.94 and rising
Outside Humidity: 95%
Rainfall: 0.00 Total inches last 24 hours
(24 hour period begins at midnight)
Rainfall: 8.16 Total inches for July
Rainfall: 16.07 Total inches since May 12, 2009
Observed Sea Swell off Beach: 1.0 to 2.0 feet
Homer Webcam
Tigger Forecast: no report
Actual Sunrise: 5:58 AM AKDT
Actual Sunset: 10:54 PM AKDT
Civil Twilight Sunrise: 4:57 AM
Civil Twilight Sunset: 11:55 PM
Moon Rise: 6:01 PM
Moon Set: 11:56 PM
Moon: Waxing crescent, 58% of Moon illuminated
Length of Visible Daylight: 18h 57m
Length of Day: 16h 56m
Tomorrow will be 4m 38s shorter
Have a Safe Day
This date in Alaska History: July 29, 1905 -
The sailing ship Star of Russia of the Alaska Packers fleet was stranded on Chirikof Island and sustained damage of $56,000 but was salvaged.
Meteor Showers:
July 28-29: Delta Aquarids: 20 per hour
July 29-30: Capricornids: 15 per hour

Homer Webcam 2

John's Camp Diary: July 2009

Overcast and breezy morning--broke into scattered sunlight!
Many bears were out on Swiksak Bay frolicking, and clamming. We viewed most of the bears a mile or so off. Took a guest to vista on cliff edge, above the meadow. On coming back down we watched big sleepy male, who slept for 2 hours. There was also a young female feeding on grass and sipping cool clear water.

SIDE NOTE FROM JOHN: Song: "Cool, Clear Water" : "Keep 'em moving Dan , don't you listen to him Dan, he's a devil not a man, and he spreads the burnin' sand with water; cool ,clear water." This is an old classic country song, and what he wrote about the bear in the water reminded him of this song) Marty Robbins & Frankie Laine sang this wonderful song!

In the evening yesterday, we saw a large male at bend of river.

WEATHER: Tuesday 072809

Observed Weather at Hallo Bay Camp
7:00 AM

Weather Conditions: Cloudy
Visibility: 40 miles (looking across Shelikof Strait)
Ceiling: 3,000 feet
Wind: 11 mph out of NE
Wind Gusts: to 11 mph
Current Temp: 50F 10c
High Daytime Temp Yesterday: 59F 15c
Barometric Pressure: 30.24 and steady
Outside Himidity: 97%
Rainfall: 0.00 Total inches last 24 hours
(24 hour period begins at midnight)
Rainfall: 7.12 Total inches for July
Rainfall: 15.03 Total inches since May 12, 2009
Observed Sea Swell off Beach: calm to 1.0 feet
Homer Webcam
Tigger Forecast: No report...
Actual Sunrise: 5:56AM AKDT
Actual Sunset: 10:57 PM AKDT
Civil Twilight Sunrise: 4:54 AM
Civil Twilight Sunset: 11:58 PM
Moon Rise: 4:32 PM
Moon Set: 11:44 PM
Moon: First Quarter, waxing crescent, 48% illuminated
Length of Visible Daylight: 19h 03m
Length of Day: 17h 00m
Tomorrow will be 4m 35s shorter
Have a Safe Day
This date in Alaska History: July 28, 1899 -
Fire destroyed the U.S. Army post, Camp Dyea, at the head of Lynn Canal.
Meteor Showers:
July 28-29: Delta Aquarids: 20 per hour
July 29-30: Capricornids: 15 per hour

Three Bears: by C Anderson/TX

Three Bears!
Chris Anderson © Texas

John's Camp Diary: July 2009

We saw the redish wolf again this morning at Clint's Creek, about 100 yards away.
Several bears were at the mouth of creek milling about. One bear chased another one for about a mile...last seen they were heading north! Then we spotted several bear in afternoon yesterday, out on tidal flat. Each and everyone of them filed past for salad buffet luncheon at meadow. It was quite a sight!! Yesterday evening we found several bruins chillin' at the meadow. The shortcut trail is getting might boggy.

WEATHER: Monday 072709

Observed Weather at Hallo Bay Camp
7:00 AM

Weather Conditions: Overcast w/moderate rain
Visibility: -0- miles
Ceiling: -0- feet
Wind: 17 mph out of NE
Wind Gusts: to 23 mph
Current Temp: 51F 10.56c
High Daytime Temp Yesterday: 57F 13.89c
Barometric Pressure: 30.01 and falling
Outside Humidity: 96%
Rainfall: 0.52 Total inches last 24 hours
(24 hour period begins at midnight)
Rainfall: 7.03 Total inches for July
Rainfall: 14.94 Total inches since May 12, 2009
Observed Sea Swell off Beach: 2.0 to 3.0 feet
Homer Webcam
Tigger Forecast: No Report...
Actual Sunrise: 5:54 AM AKDT
Actual Sunset: 10:59 PM AKDT
Civil Twilight Sunrise: 4:51 AM
Civil Twilights Sunset: 12:01 AM
Moon Rise: 3:00 PM
Moon Set: 11:37 PM
Moon: Waxing crescent, 37% of Moon illuminated
Length of Visible Daylight: 19h 09m
Length of Day: 17h 05m
Tomorrow will be 4m 33s shorter
Have a Safe Day
This date in Alaska History: July 27, 1868 -
The U.S. Customs Service created a district for Alaska with its headquarters at Sitka.
Upcoming Meteor Showers:
July 28-29: Delta Aquarids: 20 per hour
July 29-30: Capricornids: 15 per hour

John's Camp Diary: July 2009

Bears have still been mulling the creek. A young male passed between group and creek ....... treat for our guest! It has been a bit breezy with 50+ mph winds on the beach, and some driving rain. But that never stops the bears. A big male passed through meadow in the evening. Hiked a bear trail untraveled by humans back to Nancy's trail, which made for an interesting hike. We also saw moose droppings along the way. Area is full of critters!

WEATHER: Sunday 072609

Observed Weather at Hallo Bay
7:00 AM

Weather Conditions: Overcast
Visiblity: 6+ miles
Ceiling: 1000 feet
Wind: 16 mph out of NE
Wind Gusts: to 22 mph
Current Temp: 50F 10c
High Daytime Temp Yesterday: 52F 11.11c
Barometric Pressure: 29.77 and rising
Outside Humidity: 96%
Rainfall: 0.01 Total inches last 24 hours
(24 hour period begins at midnight)
Rainfall: 4.46 Total inches for July
Rainfall: 14.37 Total inches since May 12, 2009
Observed Sea Swell off Beach: 2.0 to 3.0 feet
Homer Webcam
Tigger Forecast: No report!
Actual Sunrise: 5:51 AM AKDT
Actual Sunset: 11.01 PM AKDT
Civil Twilight Sunrise: 4:48 AM
Civil Twilight Sunset: 12:04 AM
Moon Rise: 1:27 PM
Moon Set: 11:32 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent, 27% of Moon illuminated
Length of Visible Daylight: 19h 16m
Length of Day: 17h 09m
Tomorrow will be 4m 29s shorter
Have a Safe Day
This date in Alaska History: July 26, 1950 -
A. E. "Cap" Lathrop, one of Alaska's leading entrepreneurs, was killed when struck by a railroad car at the Suntrana coal mine.
Upcoming Meteor Showers:
July 28-29: Delta Aquarids: 20 per hour
July 29-30: Capricornids: 15 per hour

Wildflower: Beach Fleabane by Morty

Beach Fleabane
Morty © Hallo Bay Camp

Wildflower: Wild Iris by Morty

Wild Iris
Morty © Hallo Bay Camp

John's Camp Diary: July 2009

In the morning, we saw three bears at confluence of river and ocean...all are still waiting for salmon .

In the afternoon, we saw 2 adult males work around driftwood, then they casually came past us. Both bears then swam across river and began peregrination back to shallows in creek, and upstream. Just then, same reddish /brown wolf came over dune and walked past, 50 yards to the north. Later in the day, there were bears and more bears all long creek still waiting for salmon!!!
---
Experiences you won't soon forget.

News: Man shoots 4 bears

Man who shot 4 bears faces misdemeanor charges

WASILLA -- Alaska wildlife officials have cited a Talkeetna-area man who shot a sow and three cubs this month at his home. Don Tanner, 59, faces misdemeanor charges of taking a brown bear sow accompanied by cubs, and taking a cub bear in connection with the July 6 shooting.

Read more: click here

---
We are deeply saddened by this news. We wonder why he could not frighten off the bear with just the sound of gunfire. The last bear standing must have been a real prize for him.

WEATHER: Saturday 072509

Observed Weather at Hallo Bay
7:00 AM

Weather Conditions: Overcast
Visiblity: 6+ miles
Ceiling: 3000 feet
Wind: 17 mph out of NE
Wind Gusts: to 25 mph
Current Temp: 50F 10c
High Daytime Temp Yesterday: 55F 12.78c
Barometric Pressure: 30.04 and steady
Outside Humidity: 95%
Rainfall: 0.00 Total inches last 24 hours
(24 hour period begins at midnight)
Rainfall: 4.80 Total inches for July
Rainfall: 12.71 Total inches since May 12, 2009
Observed Sea Swell off Beach: 2.0 to 3.0 feet
Homer Webcam
Tigger Forecast: Bad news: she was on her back last night,
a solid indicator of poor flying weather
Actual Sunrise: 5:49 AM AKDT
Actual Sunset: 11:03 PM AKDT
Civil Twilight Sunrise: 4:45 AM
Civil Twilight Sunset: 12:07 AM
Moon Rise: 11:52 AM
Moon Set: 11:29 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent, 18% of Moon illuminated
Length of Visible Daylight: 19h 22m
Length of Day: 17h 14m
Tomorrow will be 4m 25s shorter
Have a Safe Day
This date in Alaska History: July 25, 1924 -
The Alaska Sanitary Packing Co. cannery at Wrangell was destroyed by fire.
Upcoming Meteor Showers:
July 28-29: Delta Aquarids: 20 per hour
July 29-30: Capricornids: 15 per hour

Wolf and Bear: by Simyra

When you go to any other part of Alaska
to view bears you fly into the wilderness.
When you go to Hallo Bay you are part of the wilderness.
Simyra © Hallo Bay Camp

John's Camp Diary: July 2009

Most action was in the evening yesterday. Three bears were concentrated on fishing in the creek. Two hooked in dead Dollys ( Varden that is ). One bear caught two live ones! Meanwhile, a redish/brown wolf topped out over a dune, and tried to pick up leftovers from a successful fisher bear. The wolf disappeared for a bit, but resurfaced and crossed river to serenity of sylvan environs.
---
Live. Love. Hallo Bay.

WEATHER: Friday 072409

Observed Weather at Hallo Bay Camp
7:00 AM

UPDATE:

8:30am Hallo Bay
8:30am McNeil

Weather Conditions: Overcast
Overcast, no rain
Overcast, no rain
Visiblity: 6 miles
40 miles
20 miles
Ceiling: 2500 feet
2500 feet
1000 - 2000 feet
Wind: 6 mph out of NE
5 mph out of NE
3 mph out of E
Wind Gusts: to 10 mph
to 6 mph
to 5 mph
Current Temp: 50F 10c
High Daytime Temp Yesterday: 51F 10.56c
Barometric Pressure: 29.76 and rising
29.80 and rising
Outside Humidity: 98%
Rainfall: 0.09 Total inches last 24 hours
(24 hr period begins at midnight)
Rainfall: 4.80 Total inches for July
Rainfall: 12.71 Total inches since May 12, 2009
Observed Sea Swell off Beach: 1.0 to 2.0 feet
Homer Webcam
Tigger Forecast: no report
Actual Sunrise: 5:47 AM AKDT
Actual Sunset: 11:06 PM AKDT
Civil Twilight Sunrise: 4:42 AM
Civil Twilight Sunset: 12:10 AM
Moon Rise: 10:14 AM
Moon Set: 11:25 PM
Moon: Waxing crescent, 10% of Moon illuminated
Length of Visible Daylight: 19h 28m
Length of Day: 17h 18m
Tomorrow will be 4m 22s shorter
Have a Safe Day
This date in Alaska History: July 24, 1897 - Congress created the office of Surveyor General and ex-officio Secretary of Alaska. The latter office is now known as Lieutenant Governor.
Upcoming Meteor Showers:
July 28-29: Delta Aquarids: 20 per hour
July 29-30: Capricornids: 15 per hour

Bear: Cub Eating Grass by C Anderson

Bear Cub Eating Grass!
Chris Anderson © Texas

John's Camp Diary: July 2009

Went around the island this morning. The tidal pools have been reordered since the storm surge. A bear turned stones for over an hour - persistently hungry. And another bear laid on rock as tide came in around her. (yes, bears swim!) Most of the locals are checking out Clint's Creek once a day for in coming, ever elusive salmon. Soon, coming very soon!

WEATHER: Thursday 072309

Observed Weather at Hallo Bay Camp

7:00 AM

Weather Conditions: Overcast w/rain
Visibility: 6 miles
Ceiling: 2000 feet
Wind: 17 mph out of NE
Wind Gusts: to 22 mph
Current Temp: 49F 9.44c
High Daytime Temp Yesterday: 51F 10.56c
Barometric Pressure: 29.54 and steady
Outside Humidity: 97%
Rainfall: 0.16 Total inches last 24 hours
(24 hour period begins at midnight)
Rainfall: 4.46 Total inches for July
Rainfall: 12.37 Total inches since May 12, 2009
Observed Sea Swell off Beach: 2.0 to 3.0 feet
Homer Office Webcam
Tigger Forecast: No report...no reason, as same storm continues
Actual Sunrise: 5:45 AM AKDT
Actual Sunset: 11:08 PM AKDT
Civil Twilight Sunrise: 4:39 AM
Civil Twilight Sunset: 12:13 AM
Moon Rise: 8:32 AM
Moon Set: 11:20 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent, 4% of Moon illuminated
Length of Visibile Daylight: 19h 34m
Length of Day: 17h 22m
Tomorrow will be 4m 19s shorter
Have a Safe Day
This date in Alaska History: July 23, 1907 -
President Theodore Roosevelt issued a Proclamation establishing the Chugach National Forest.

John's Camp Diary: July 2009

Yesterday, a Mother and 2 yearlings strolled past camp out on beach after dinner. They headed south until another bear blasted off a sand dune and spooked them to run inland. Big Daddy Ted came off the cut off trail and ambled past camp on beach . Beautiful bear. And, it's windy here!!
---
Explore & Experience Hallo Bay with Real Experts, over 20 years satisfied service!

Thanks for the pic, Morty!

WEATHER: Wednesday 072209

Observed Weather at Hallo Bay Camp

7:00 AM

UPDATES:
8:00am Hallo Bay Camp
8:30am McNeil Bear Camp
9:00am Hallo Bay Camp

Weather Conditions: Overcast & Rain
Overcast, light rain
Overcast, rain
Overcast, no rain a moment
Visiblity: 6 miles
40 miles
8-10 miles
6+ miles
Ceiling: 200 feet
1500 feet
1000-2000 feet
1500 feet
Wind: 14 mph out of NE
16 mph out of NE
20 mph out of E
12 mph out of NE
Wind Gusts: to 18 mph
to 18 mph
to 30 mph
to 21 mph
Current Temp: 50F 10c
High Daytime Temp Yesterday: 51F 10:56c
Barometric Pressure: 29.25 and steady
29.28 and rising
29.31 and rising
Outside Humidity: 98%
Rainfall: 0.42 Total inches last 24 hours
(24 hour period begins at midnight)
Rainfall: 4.02 Total inches for July
Rainfall: 11.03 Total inches since May 12, 2009
Observed Sea Swell off Beach: 1.0 to 2.0 feet
Homer Office Webcam
Tigger Forecast: no report
Actual Sunrise: 5:43 AM AKDT
Actual Sunset: 11:10 PM AKDT
Civil Twilight Sunrise: 4:35 AM
Civil Twilight Sunset: 12:16 AM
Moon Rise: 6:44 AM
Moon Set: 11:14 PM
NEW MOON: 0% of Moon illuminated
Length of Visible Daylight: 19h 40m
Length of Day: 17h 27m
Tomorrow will be 4m 14s shorter
Have a Safe Day
This date in Alaska History: July 22, 1902 -
Felix Pedro discovered gold on Cleary Creek near present Fairbanks.

John's Camp Diary: July 2009

Yesterday's Camp Report: Two youngsters met up at the mouth of Clint's Creek and wrestled for a good half hour. Big Daddy Ted came out of the blueberry-bog-meadow and moved down to confluence of Clint's Creeks, presumably looking for first salmon. Two bears munched grass in idyllic meadow in evening. Storms clouds moving back in !!!
---
These are experiences you won't soon forget!

WEATHER: Tuesday 072109

Observed Weather at Hallo Bay Camp

7:00 AM

UPDATE: **
8:00am: Hallo Bay Camp
8:30am: McNeil Bear Camp
9:00am: Hallo Bay Camp
Noon: Hallo Bay Camp

Weather Conditions: Overcast
w/continuing moderate rainfall
Overcast & Raining
Overcast & Rain
Overcast & Raining
Overcast & Raining
Visibility: -0- miles
-0-
5 miles
-0-
-0-
Ceiling: -0- feet
-0-
5 miles
-0-
-0-
Wind: 27 mph out of NE
25 mph out of NE
31 mph out of NE
27 mph out of NE
26 mph out of NE
Wind Gusts: to 36 mph
to 31 mph
to 48 mph
to 32 mph
to 35 mph
Current Temp: 51F 10:56c
High Daytime Temp Yesterday: 59F 15c
Barometric Pressure: 29.51 and falling rapidly
29.38 and Falling
Outside Humidity: 96%
Rainfall: 1.53 Total inches last 24 hours
(24 hour period begins at midnight)
Rainfall: 1.77 Total inches for July
Rainfall: 9.68 Total inches since May 12, 2009
Observed Sea Swell off Beach: 2.0 to 3.0 feet
Homer Office Webcam
Tigger Forecast: No report,
she gave it 5 days ago and it still continues!
Actual Sunrise: 5:41 AM AKDT
Actual Sunset: 11:12 PM AKDT
Civil Twilight Sunrise: 4:31 AM
Civil Twilight Sunet: 12:19 AM
Moon Rise: 4:54 AM
Moon Set: 11:04 AM
NEW Moon: Waning Crescent, 0% of Moon is illuminated
Length of Visible Daylight: 19h 46m
Length of Day: 17h 31m
Tomorrow will be 4m 9s shorter
Have a Safe Day
This date in Alaska History: July 21, 1922 - Jay Hammond, Alaska's governor from 1974 to 1980, was born.
** This makes 5 days of the safety conscious air operations being weathered out and unable to fly safely to the Katmai coast from Homer.

Bears: Cubs by T vanDam

Bear Cubs
Teus van Dam © Netherlands

Scenery: Lichen on Tree Trunk

Lichen on Tree Trunk
Teus van Dam © Netherlands