For me, the best part of this video is between 9:25 and 9:35 when (4 time Fat Bear Champion) King Otis is in the background of the two bears having a little "conversation". At 11:00 you see him again working in the office (upper right corner), which is his favorite spot to fish. You got to see the most famous bear at Katmai in real life and have the video footage to prove it. That's awesome!!
We really enjoyed our time at Katmai and loved watching the bears! It was definitely one of our favorite experiences that we had while traveling, not just while in Alaska but ever! We still tune in to the livestream every once in a while 😊 Thank you so much for watching, we really do appreciate it!
Wow!!!!! That was awesome! So happy you got to see the bears (although a little jealous as well) on my bucket list, too. For now, I’ll be watching them during the summer on UA-cam. ✌️💕
I liked your “sing song tune” and conversation” to help you keep the bears aware that you were on the path. It would have been a perfect time to sing “Going On A Bear Hunt”. The bear on the beach at the arrival to the island was the official greeter to welcome you.
Wow! This was amazing and found em yelling at the tv with joy every time you saw bears!! How terrific and what an amazing lifetime memory you made! Thanks for sharing with us!! ❤
You are right, Alaska is spectacular! We are very fortunate to be able to travel the way we are and to have this amazing community to share it with! Thank you so much for watching, we really do appreciate it!
My wish to try and get there whilst Otis is still visiting. I have had the pleasure of following the bear’s via the web cams for 6 years . So pleased you got to see himxx
We hope you get to do so as well 😊 We still tune into the bear cameras often, they are always so fun to watch! Thank you so much for watching, we really appreciate it and you!
Hi Mike and Heather. Thank you for posting. This was very educational and entertaining. Brooks Falls WAS on my bucket list but I didn’t know you had to hike without protection. 😂 I’m looking forward to watching your other videos. Thanks again, Laura.
Don't get discouraged, it is absolutely NOT just a young person's trip! We saw people of all ages enjoying Alaska and Katmai National Park (honestly in most of the places, we were the youngest people there) If you are talking specifically about the small plane to Katmai, there are also water taxis you can take that are a lot more accessible and cheaper as well 😊 Thank you for the kind words and for watching, we really do appreciate it!
You are right! The crowds weren't bad at all. We were there at the beginning of September and were worried the bears would be gone but thankfully we were able to see them! Thank you for watching, we really do appreciate it 😀
Flying out to see the bears was our favorite thing that we did in Alaska :) We went with Northwind Aviation (not sponsored) here is the link if you are interested: www.northwindak.com/ Thank you for watching, we really appreciate it!
Mike & Heather - I have to take this moment to comment on your US trip so far especially now that you have driven to Alaska. I follow many other Van folks, especially those who have the same 2013 or earlier Transit Connect. I too have one and put over 50,000 miles on it in 2 years travelling the US. But you guys are very different. Sure - we all go to the National Parks, tacky tourist areas, camp in campgrounds for fee and find ones for free while exploring the country. After two years the other Vlogs are pretty much the same. They start out with build videos (like you) take a few practice trips (like you) figure out what you need and don’t need (like you) and then go for a couple of weeks (like you) and then get on the road for a long time (like you). The others build their vans and then never make a trip - they just disappear off UA-cam never to be seen again! Some you just know are not cut out for the effort, make a few close to home weekend trips, and then disappear. Others over build these little vans by loading them up beyond their gross vehicle weight limits and take them off road and then complain about the breakdowns and then - disappear. And finally - those that keep on the road seem to just go in circles - mostly travelling the West (fearful of ever going East) and in doing so visit the mountain west in the summer or the west coast and then head for Quartzsite in the winter while all the while showing us endless lapdog videos, hours of making morning coffee, or the latest organic meal while dressing up the interiors with useless gadgets, bordello curtains and colored lights because they simple have no content to talk about anymore. But not Mike & Heather! You figured it all out early on. You obviously did your research, made a plan and have done a great bunch of thematic trip videos going East, West, North and South and now Alaska - all in a tiny Transit Connect Van. I applaud your every mile and wish you a many more while anticipating your next video.
Wow, you are too nice! Thank you so much for the kind words, it really means a lot to us! We truly do appreciate it and you! We have really enjoyed our journey so far and love that we get to share it with this amazing community.
Love ur video, I ❤ watching bears fish. Took off my bucket list after hearing the cost of a trip. Jw who the people are in the water so close to the bears! Park staff or fishermen or ????
Thank you for the kind words and for watching, we really appreciate it! The people in the river were fisherman! People fish for salmon there along with the bears, it was pretty crazy to see lol We did the most expensive option (chartering a plane) BUT there is a water taxi that takes you to the National Park for a fraction of the cost! (the water taxi was about $300 round trip) So, don't erase it from your bucket list just yet 😊
What was Heather holding @ 12:45, looks like a lens? You guys score on wildlife, it's not because of Mike's singing... Brooks was pretty cool. Safe and wonderful journeys!
It was fun to watch so I subscribed. There are also bears in Poland, but much less. Maybe someday I'll be able to record a Polish bear, because I'll show it on our channel.
It really was an awesome experience! No, no dogs or pet of any kind are allowed at Brooks Camp. We have found that most National Parks even in the lower 48 restrict where dogs can/cannot go, we have seen a lot of no dogs allowed on hiking trails. Thank you for watching, we really appreciate it!
We had 4 hours (not including the flights to and from the area) to explore. After about 2.5 hours of watching the bears at the falls we headed back to the main area where the pilot was waiting. It is not a far walk from the falls so that is how we had some extra time and tried to do the hike near the main area as well! There was no formal way our time was managed, the pilot just said to meet him back at the beach in about 4 hours and we just kept an eye on the time :) Hope that helps, thank you for watching!
We used Northwind Aviation (not sponsored) here is the link if you are interested: www.northwindak.com/brooks-falls There are also companies that you can water taxi there for significantly less, around $300 roundtrip. We decided to go the more expensive sightseeing route! Hope that helps!
Yes! There are two small shops, one at the Ranger Station and then another one at the Trading Post. They sell shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and other basic gift shop trinkets :) Thank you for watching, we really appreciate it!
Ive just finished catching up on your adventures (three videos) and you certainly saved the best till last. Wow what a privilege to be able to see the bears up so close and personal. The scenery is amazing and I think the flight you took must be worth every penny. The bear on the beach when you landed must have been the icing on the cake. As you were walking along the trail to the bear viewing area this ua-cam.com/video/5gNT0SWf3Ls/v-deo.html came on the TV in the background which made me laugh.
That is too funny! You are right, we are very fortunate to have been able to see the bears at Brooks Falls :) Thank you so much for watching, we really do appreciate it!
Yes! We were watching the live cameras like every day leading up to our trip so when we finally saw and recognized the bears it was like seeing celebrities haha Thank you so much for watching, we really appreciate it!
Thanks for a tour behind the scenes of the live cams
Thank you for watching, we really do appreciate it!
For me, the best part of this video is between 9:25 and 9:35 when (4 time Fat Bear Champion) King Otis is in the background of the two bears having a little "conversation". At 11:00 you see him again working in the office (upper right corner), which is his favorite spot to fish. You got to see the most famous bear at Katmai in real life and have the video footage to prove it. That's awesome!!
We really enjoyed our time at Katmai and loved watching the bears! It was definitely one of our favorite experiences that we had while traveling, not just while in Alaska but ever! We still tune in to the livestream every once in a while 😊 Thank you so much for watching, we really do appreciate it!
What an epic adventure -that rainbow would have brought me to tears! What a blessing 🙏🤗❣️
OMG!!! How many times have I seen the bears after salmon on an animal show. How wonderful.
I am going to Brooks Talls in two weeks. Very nervously/ scared about the walk to the boardwalk and running across a beacon the path.
Wow!!!!! That was awesome! So happy you got to see the bears (although a little jealous as well) on my bucket list, too.
For now, I’ll be watching them during the summer on UA-cam.
✌️💕
We will be watching the livestreams too 😊🐻
Thank you so much for watching, we really do appreciate it!
My wife and I have enjoyed all of your videos. We can’t wait for more.
Thank you! We really enjoy sharing our adventures with you 😊
Best, most useful Katmai flight & visit video ever. Kudos!
Wow, that is a huge compliment! Thank you for the kind words and for watching, we really do appreciate it and you 😊
I liked your “sing song tune” and conversation” to help you keep the bears aware that you were on the path.
It would have been a perfect time to sing “Going On A Bear Hunt”. The bear on the beach at the arrival to the island was the official greeter to welcome you.
Bad singing seemed to be a good deterrent! We could not believe that we saw a bear before we even arrived, especially that close!
When I watch other channels it's funny that all some people say continuously is "hey bear, hey bear". Mike's jingle about the rules was hilarious.
On my bucket list to do this on our 2nd trip to Alaska. Glad to see a reality video of Brook Falls.
Thank you for watching, we really appreciate it! We hope you have a blast crossing it off your bucket list as well :)
Wow! This was amazing and found em yelling at the tv with joy every time you saw bears!! How terrific and what an amazing lifetime memory you made! Thanks for sharing with us!! ❤
We were so excited to see the bears too! Thank you so much for watching, we really appreciate it!
What an amazing adventurous life. Alaska looks spectacular. The bears are wonderful aswell. Wow an incredible adventure you are having
You are right, Alaska is spectacular! We are very fortunate to be able to travel the way we are and to have this amazing community to share it with! Thank you so much for watching, we really do appreciate it!
So cool. I am glad you were able to take something off your bucket list. I love when that happens!
We are too! Thank you for watching, we really appreciate it!
Let's go! Happy Sunday!!
Thank you for watching! We hope you have a great day!
Between you guys and A+K, you're really getting me excited to visit Alaska!! 😀
Well done! Brooks is a magical place!
You are right, Brooks Falls is a magical place! Thank you so much for watching, we really appreciate it!
My wish to try and get there whilst Otis is still visiting. I have had the pleasure of following the bear’s via the web cams for 6 years .
So pleased you got to see himxx
We hope you get to do so as well 😊 We still tune into the bear cameras often, they are always so fun to watch! Thank you so much for watching, we really appreciate it and you!
@@mikeandheather bless you thanks for my reply xx
So Exciting!
It really was! Thank you so much for watching, we really appreciate it!
Incredible guys. I loved this vlog.
We loved filming it :)
Thank you so much for watching, we really appreciate it!
Hi Mike and Heather. Thank you for posting. This was very educational and entertaining. Brooks Falls WAS on my bucket list but I didn’t know you had to hike without protection. 😂 I’m looking forward to watching your other videos. Thanks again, Laura.
Awe! Hopefully we didn't scare you away! It is definitely worth being on your bucket list 😊 Thank you so much for watching, we really appreciate it!
This was so AWESOME! I am so happy you got to check this off your bucket list. 😯🐻 So cool!
We are happy we got to check it off our bucket list too :)
Thank you for watching, we really appreciate it!
unbearably coooooooool.
Bear-y funny! 🐻
Amazing! I wish I could talk my husband into going. but maybe it's a young people trip Glad you enjoyed it..-
Don't get discouraged, it is absolutely NOT just a young person's trip! We saw people of all ages enjoying Alaska and Katmai National Park (honestly in most of the places, we were the youngest people there) If you are talking specifically about the small plane to Katmai, there are also water taxis you can take that are a lot more accessible and cheaper as well 😊 Thank you for the kind words and for watching, we really do appreciate it!
Great video thank you. It seems to be much less crowded at the time of year that you went to other videos I’ve seen earlier on the season.
You are right! The crowds weren't bad at all. We were there at the beginning of September and were worried the bears would be gone but thankfully we were able to see them! Thank you for watching, we really do appreciate it 😀
Amazing video 🐻💕
Thank you for the kind words and for watching, we really do appreciate it!
pricey yes, but just grin and bear it
Bear-y worth it! 🤣🐻
Don't forget your bear spray and bells! Ha,ha!
The crazy thing is, we weren't allowed to bring any bear spray! Thank you so much for watching, we really appreciate it 😊
What an amazing adventure!! What company did you use to flyout to Brook Falls to see the bears?
Flying out to see the bears was our favorite thing that we did in Alaska :)
We went with Northwind Aviation (not sponsored) here is the link if you are interested: www.northwindak.com/
Thank you for watching, we really appreciate it!
What month did you go?
@@kimwilson1639 We went during the first week of September!
Mike & Heather - I have to take this moment to comment on your US trip so far especially now that you have driven to Alaska. I follow many other Van folks, especially those who have the same 2013 or earlier Transit Connect. I too have one and put over 50,000 miles on it in 2 years travelling the US. But you guys are very different. Sure - we all go to the National Parks, tacky tourist areas, camp in campgrounds for fee and find ones for free while exploring the country. After two years the other Vlogs are pretty much the same. They start out with build videos (like you) take a few practice trips (like you) figure out what you need and don’t need (like you) and then go for a couple of weeks (like you) and then get on the road for a long time (like you). The others build their vans and then never make a trip - they just disappear off UA-cam never to be seen again! Some you just know are not cut out for the effort, make a few close to home weekend trips, and then disappear. Others over build these little vans by loading them up beyond their gross vehicle weight limits and take them off road and then complain about the breakdowns and then - disappear. And finally - those that keep on the road seem to just go in circles - mostly travelling the West (fearful of ever going East) and in doing so visit the mountain west in the summer or the west coast and then head for Quartzsite in the winter while all the while showing us endless lapdog videos, hours of making morning coffee, or the latest organic meal while dressing up the interiors with useless gadgets, bordello curtains and colored lights because they simple have no content to talk about anymore. But not Mike & Heather! You figured it all out early on. You obviously did your research, made a plan and have done a great bunch of thematic trip videos going East, West, North and South and now Alaska - all in a tiny Transit Connect Van. I applaud your every mile and wish you a many more while anticipating your next video.
Wow, you are too nice! Thank you so much for the kind words, it really means a lot to us! We truly do appreciate it and you! We have really enjoyed our journey so far and love that we get to share it with this amazing community.
Love ur video, I ❤ watching bears fish. Took off my bucket list after hearing the cost of a trip. Jw who the people are in the water so close to the bears! Park staff or fishermen or ????
Thank you for the kind words and for watching, we really appreciate it! The people in the river were fisherman! People fish for salmon there along with the bears, it was pretty crazy to see lol
We did the most expensive option (chartering a plane) BUT there is a water taxi that takes you to the National Park for a fraction of the cost! (the water taxi was about $300 round trip) So, don't erase it from your bucket list just yet 😊
What was Heather holding @ 12:45, looks like a lens? You guys score on wildlife, it's not because of Mike's singing... Brooks was pretty cool. Safe and wonderful journeys!
You are right, it is a lens! We were very fortunate and excited to be able to see all the bears! Thank you for watching, we really appreciate it!
Super👍
Thank you! We really appreciate it and you watching!
It was fun to watch so I subscribed. There are also bears in Poland, but much less. Maybe someday I'll be able to record a Polish bear, because I'll show it on our channel.
Regards and wish you happy adventures.
What an amazing experience. The views from the plane were spectacular. The bears are so beautiful.
What brand are those jackets you both are wearing?
You are right! It really was an amazing experience 😊🐻
The jackets are from Patagonia!
Thank you for watching!
What an awesome experience! I assume dogs are not allowed for this one, or are they?
It really was an awesome experience! No, no dogs or pet of any kind are allowed at Brooks Camp. We have found that most National Parks even in the lower 48 restrict where dogs can/cannot go, we have seen a lot of no dogs allowed on hiking trails. Thank you for watching, we really appreciate it!
Maybe I missed it but how do you manage your time? I know the pilot is waiting at the shore.
We had 4 hours (not including the flights to and from the area) to explore. After about 2.5 hours of watching the bears at the falls we headed back to the main area where the pilot was waiting. It is not a far walk from the falls so that is how we had some extra time and tried to do the hike near the main area as well! There was no formal way our time was managed, the pilot just said to meet him back at the beach in about 4 hours and we just kept an eye on the time :) Hope that helps, thank you for watching!
Glad to know you didn’t become lunch!
We are glad too! Thank you for watching, we really appreciate it!
@@mikeandheather - long time Alaskan now living near Seattle. Never made it to Brooks Falls. It’s on my bucket list!
What your flight tour company did you guys use ?
We used Northwind Aviation (not sponsored) here is the link if you are interested: www.northwindak.com/brooks-falls
There are also companies that you can water taxi there for significantly less, around $300 roundtrip. We decided to go the more expensive sightseeing route! Hope that helps!
@@mikeandheather Thank you so much!
Did they sell t-shirts or hoodies at the trading Post?
Yes! There are two small shops, one at the Ranger Station and then another one at the Trading Post. They sell shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and other basic gift shop trinkets :) Thank you for watching, we really appreciate it!
Grizzly Bears are a different breed than Brown bears... However, they all come in different colors.
Ive just finished catching up on your adventures (three videos) and you certainly saved the best till last.
Wow what a privilege to be able to see the bears up so close and personal. The scenery is amazing and I think the flight you took must be worth every penny. The bear on the beach when you landed must have been the icing on the cake.
As you were walking along the trail to the bear viewing area this ua-cam.com/video/5gNT0SWf3Ls/v-deo.html came on the TV in the background which made me laugh.
That is too funny! You are right, we are very fortunate to have been able to see the bears at Brooks Falls :)
Thank you so much for watching, we really do appreciate it!
You guys saw the KING...OTIS
Yes! We were watching the live cameras like every day leading up to our trip so when we finally saw and recognized the bears it was like seeing celebrities haha Thank you so much for watching, we really appreciate it!