Pulled a permit for McNeil River Sanctuary in Alaska;
http://wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=mcneil_river.main
Stunning bear viewing and great photography opportunities. Then follow this up with a 5-day backpacking permit to Glacier National Park. Appears that with the economy in the present state, fewer people were applying for permits this year. Maybe the same for rafting permits on the Salmon rivers? The outdoors is such a bargain, a great escape from the pains of the world and from my Blackberry.