My daughter and son in law went camping high above McCall at the Cly lakes. No need to worry about them, they took bug spray, red wine oh and a weapon just in case. We got to enjoy Clio for 2 days. As I looked at the advice on things that can go wrong on a camping trip the list was long but included dehydration, cramping, blisters, insect stings, getting lost, floods —not one word about bears or wolves. Day one of their trip they came across an Elk carcass that was likely the result of a lethal bow hunting shot. They would likely have moved to a new location if the kill were made by a bear, cougar or wolves. As Holt stood over the carcass in examination, Katie looked up past him to see a large black bear within 15 feet. The bear turned its head from side to side in apparent curiosity. They slowly backed away and left the bear to enjoy the day. Over the course of two days the bear remained near the lake but paid no attention to my camping relatives. What do we know about black bears?
Black bears are prevalent in the West and are omnivores. It is recommended that you avoid surprising them especially if they have cubs with them. The black bear is less aggressive than the grizzly but a 600 pound black bear is a difficult wrestling match. The experts suggest you scan ahead of you if possible to avoid the bears. If confronted, running is not an option, uphill or down hill you will lose the race. The old joke is that you just need to be faster than the other humans but that is not a viable plan when you hike with family and friends. Carry pepper spray, learn to climb a tree, if it is an attacking grizzly, playing dead might work! I am guessing there is danger in all endeavors so be prepared and always stay calm when confronted with a life threatening situation.
Burt Reynold hit the final trail today at the age of 82. He starred in a wide variety of movies including my favorite-“Smokey and the Bandits” where he and his partner try to deliver a truck load of Coors beer to Atlanta. Burt ends up in a wild chase with Buford T. Justice with Sally Field riding shotgun. At one point Sally says to him, “you have a great profile,” He replies “especially from the side.” Johnny Carson once had a giant picture of Reynolds pulled from a birthday cake stating the surprise in the cake was the person Burt loved best! Burt laughed at the clever and accurate joke. In spite of a significant ego- he had a sense of humor! This week we need to keep our wits and if possible perspective and a sense of humor.
Enjoy the fall. Mike