Before you even ask, I'll tell you what I told LOTH: "NO; I didn't get a picture of the bear!"
But there are some other neat pix, and a mini-review of a great daypack ... anyway.
When I can, I like to slip away to a nearby state/national park. Though small, it's pristine forest. And though close to suburban development, it's got some animals; notable coyote packs- which venture out to kill pets nearby. Our cat stays very close to the house these days, but that's another story. You want hear about the BEAR.
I hike a lot in there, and at this point know the trails well enough- to leave them. With GPS or a compass, I personally enjoy exploring strands where you won't encounter other hikers, bikers, power-walkers etc. I've studied satellite photos and look for interesting spots to "daycamp," a kind of lazy camping with a hammock, 2-meter radio, cooking stuff etc. Spend a few hours in the woods. It's good for you. Anyway.
(inset - 5" Golden Orb spider)
I was using a new pack from Spec Ops Gear, a veteran-owned company whose products are American-made, hard as nails and guaranteed for life. I really like their stuff. Though pricey, they sometimes put stuff on sale for too cheap, IMHO. I have a full-size pack of theirs, and notice I tend to overload on dayhikes. So picked up their SLAB pack for $60 on clearance. It's a flat, thin pack, meant for laptops. Don't need or want a laptop, but I realized water is the most important thing, and that a bladder would fit well in there, along with minimal food and gear.
So. Got out early yesterday, found a nice deep spot in the woods- shady against hot and rising sun. Tied up the hammock and popped open my one can of diet soda was enjoying the quiet. Heard a squirrel over my blind (right) shoulder, tick-tick-tick.
Drank some more soda. Week was long at work. Problems; now slipping away. (tick-tick-scruntch).
Sat up. Straightened up in the hammock. Saw the bear 10 yards away.
We saw each other, technically. And both of us spazzed at the same time.
I leaped up and shouted, "What the ____!" Why that expression, I don't know. I don't know.
The bear stared at me, reared up an leaped away the left. Saw its sides rippling with muscle and was impressed with its shiny black fur. I mean that bear could have just come from a pet groomer. Clean and shiny.
It did not stomp away like an elephant, it was eerily quiet as it slipped away. Visibility was short in there as I was looking for shade.
I didn't strike camp at once; I let my racing pulse settle down. I thought about not moving, and then in the still I did hear a snuffle/whorlte sound. Time to go.
Never occurred to my love of quiet places could be dangerous. But bear sightings have been on the upswing; lady's dog was killed and there have been numerous sightings.
So I hiked to a spot on the water. Do black bears swim? Probably, but so can I!
Daycamped on the water.
Day ended well. Some of you may live in real bear country, but this is the first time I've seen one since being in Alaska.
Thoughts on sharing wild spaces with bears?
Thanks for listening
AA
But there are some other neat pix, and a mini-review of a great daypack ... anyway.
When I can, I like to slip away to a nearby state/national park. Though small, it's pristine forest. And though close to suburban development, it's got some animals; notable coyote packs- which venture out to kill pets nearby. Our cat stays very close to the house these days, but that's another story. You want hear about the BEAR.
I hike a lot in there, and at this point know the trails well enough- to leave them. With GPS or a compass, I personally enjoy exploring strands where you won't encounter other hikers, bikers, power-walkers etc. I've studied satellite photos and look for interesting spots to "daycamp," a kind of lazy camping with a hammock, 2-meter radio, cooking stuff etc. Spend a few hours in the woods. It's good for you. Anyway.
(inset - 5" Golden Orb spider)
I was using a new pack from Spec Ops Gear, a veteran-owned company whose products are American-made, hard as nails and guaranteed for life. I really like their stuff. Though pricey, they sometimes put stuff on sale for too cheap, IMHO. I have a full-size pack of theirs, and notice I tend to overload on dayhikes. So picked up their SLAB pack for $60 on clearance. It's a flat, thin pack, meant for laptops. Don't need or want a laptop, but I realized water is the most important thing, and that a bladder would fit well in there, along with minimal food and gear.
So. Got out early yesterday, found a nice deep spot in the woods- shady against hot and rising sun. Tied up the hammock and popped open my one can of diet soda was enjoying the quiet. Heard a squirrel over my blind (right) shoulder, tick-tick-tick.
Drank some more soda. Week was long at work. Problems; now slipping away. (tick-tick-scruntch).
Sat up. Straightened up in the hammock. Saw the bear 10 yards away.
We saw each other, technically. And both of us spazzed at the same time.
I leaped up and shouted, "What the ____!" Why that expression, I don't know. I don't know.
The bear stared at me, reared up an leaped away the left. Saw its sides rippling with muscle and was impressed with its shiny black fur. I mean that bear could have just come from a pet groomer. Clean and shiny.
It did not stomp away like an elephant, it was eerily quiet as it slipped away. Visibility was short in there as I was looking for shade.
I didn't strike camp at once; I let my racing pulse settle down. I thought about not moving, and then in the still I did hear a snuffle/whorlte sound. Time to go.
Never occurred to my love of quiet places could be dangerous. But bear sightings have been on the upswing; lady's dog was killed and there have been numerous sightings.
So I hiked to a spot on the water. Do black bears swim? Probably, but so can I!
Daycamped on the water.
Day ended well. Some of you may live in real bear country, but this is the first time I've seen one since being in Alaska.
Thoughts on sharing wild spaces with bears?
Thanks for listening
AA
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