Dumpling Mountain on a clear day

 I got really lucky yesterday and had a day off on a beautiful, clear day!  That does not happen often.  So I took advantage of it and climbed up Dumpling Mountain which is the small (2400ft) mountain just behind Brooks Camp.  From the top, you can see all (or most of) Naknek Lake, the fourth largest lake in Alaska!  One of our radio repeaters is at the summit, so you can tell you're at the top by hiking to the repeater.  My co-worker, Anna, and I did run into one bear up there.  It was a cute, sub-adult bear that was limping.  It was not putting any weight on its right, front paw.  We wondered how it got injured, but we did not get close enough for a good look.  He/she was just munching away on the crowberries that are so prevalent this time of year.  The bears eat so many of them that their scat turns a purplish-black color.  I myself am holing out for the blueberries that should be ready for picking later this month. 

fireweed in bloom with Mt. Mageik volcano in the distance

Jeanette atop Mt. Dumpling with Naknek Lake in the background

our radio repeater

Naknek Lake - notice the glacial terminal moraine and the beautiful turquoise color of the water