Sunday, August 20, 2017 | Sitka, Alaska | Language: English | Currency: U.S. Dollar | Population = 8,830

Today we ventured to Kruzof, an uninhabited island about ten miles across Sitka Sound.

After a quick stop at the outhouse (when’s the last time you used one of those?) we geared up to drive and explore the island in an “off-road, no-holds-barred, all-terrain vehicle.” It was a slight letdown when our guide described our ATV as a souped-up golf cart.

After teaching us how to operate the souped-upped golf cart vehicle, our guide Will showed us where to find the bear siren and bear mace in the glove compartment.

Let me explain a little about me and bears. When Mindy and I hiked through the U.S. and Canadian national parks 36 years ago, I hung a bell on my knapsack just to be sure I did not surprise any bears with my presence. Everything and everyone could hear me coming. Yesterday, on our beach outing, we were given bear whistles, a step up from the bell. Today, we upped the game with a siren and mace. Sort of expect to see a bear or two.

Drove through lush forests with all sorts of vegetation.

Came to open land and stopped to take in the views.

Then we drove onto the beach with interesting driftwood. I thought would make a nice table, but others were quite inventive.

Off the beach was this interesting island. Mindy and I are convinced it is a logo for some company, but cannot figure out, nor google, which company. Prize to anyone who can tell me what logo we are thinking of. Second prize to anyone who’s actually read this far in the post.