King Salmon, AK, on Bristol Bay

We got up and went around the corner to Denny's for a big breakfast since we knew we would not settle into our cabin at the Antler Inn until at least mid-afternoon.

After packing up and locking up the camper, I notified our neighbor in the camper van next door that we'd be gone a couple of days. I just wanted someone to know. There is security at the RV park, and we have a hitch lock, but it's good to have another witness next door if needed.

We parked in long-term parking at the Anchorage Airport. It is a busy place serving 49 different airlines!

I was surprised as our flight to King Salmon was completely full! We had first class seats as they were only about $20 more than coach class when I booked last winter. The flight went south over the Kenai peninsula and then across Cook Inlet, over the Alutian Mountain range and Lliamna Lake, and into King Salmon, which is on the Bristol Bay. We are in the Sockeye Cabins, which are owned by Antler Inn. Very nice room with a small table and chairs, coffee, microwave, fridge with a freezer, and TV with cable. It is spacious with a nice bathroom.

The King Salmon airport is basically one big room where everyone boards and deplaned, and so there are very few seats and a lot of people standing waiting either for baggage or to get on the plane. You MUST check in 2 hours early, and they won't accept check bags after 60 minutes before the flight. Parking outside is a dusty area with a variety of pickups, vans, etc, waiting to carry passengers. I saw at least 8 different outfitters picking up people to go to fish camps. There was also a wedding party. Lots of people arriving to work fishing boats or work at the canneries.

Phil and I had a late lunch early supper at the Sockeye Saloon, which is one of 2 options for eating here. We met a couple of fishermen. One who fishes crab (think the TV show Deadliest Catch) and Salmon on the sea. The other was retired from crab fishing. They seemed genuinely interested in our reason for being there and told us it could be a little early for bears, but that we were sure to see some.

We also went to the King Salmon grocery store/ fishing tackle/liquor store where we got a bargain on 2 yogurts that were expired, so half off. Normally, they are $3.30 each. Gas was $6.99 per gallon.

We catch our shuttle to the water taxi tomorrow at 6:30 on the front steps of the Sockeye Saloon. I think we'll need our mosquito coats and maybe rain jackets. I have packed bug spray and sunscreen as well. We'll catch the water taxi back tomorrow at 2 pm. Hope to have bear pictures for tomorrow.Læs mere