Hey Bear!

Up until now I hadn't seen a single trail bear (I don't count the 2 I saw on the shuttle drive to Trail Days). Currently I'm at 7 within a 48 hour period. The first 4 consisted of a mamma bear and 3 little cubs. Myself, Chef, and Salamander (behind us maybe 15 yards) were only about a mile or two from the shelter. I hear rustling leaves in front of me, look up and see three black balls quickly climb a tree right by the trail. I immediately grab Chefs harness and walk backwards as fast as I can. I stop about 30 yards from the tree and I could see them at the top. I turn around (my movements told Salamander something was wrong) and tell her about the bears and point to the top of the tree. We went over our options. Hike by the tree and likely get eaten by mamma bear- No. Possibly back track the trail... We had just come down a switch back, going back would put us closer to mamma bear- No. Go around and give the bears space and move on... I knew we were heading down the mountain but didn't know if the trail ran the side of the mountain or if it had another switchback, and the mountain side was covered in rhododendron and mountain laurel bushes- No. We ended up waiting there, sitting on a log for about 15-20 minutes. We talked and played music so mamma bear knew we weren't encroaching on her space. The little bears came down the tree eventually, but we couldn't tell how far they went away from the trail. I throw a rock. Turns out they only went a couple yards and they scurry up another tree. Now another hiker is coming down the trail. We ask her if she can see them and she replies no. She decides to chance it and walk the trail. In my head I say to myself "I'm not saving her if she gets eaten". Well, she makes it and informs us of where the bears are. Long story short, we make it passed them without getting eaten. 

The following day, again only about 2 miles from the shelter, I come across a bear a few yards from the trail. I grab Chefs harness again. This time I say in a calm voice "hey bear, hey bear". The bear looks up at me and does not move. She just stares. Hmm, that's not normal she should be running away. Then I see them. Two tiny cubs at the base of a tree. I back off and show Salamander who wasn't far behind. Luckily, this part of the trail we can see where the trail goes and the terrain is pretty clear. We hike off trail for a little ways giving the bears space and we talk loud as we go. Again, avoid being eaten. 

Sorry, no pictures of the bears. Currently I am over mile marker 700! Hiking into Daleville soon where I will meet up with Mom and Grandparents. I am taking a few well deserved /needed days of rest and eating. Then it's back to the trail. 

 

Dragons Tooth was the latest challenge. After about a 20 mile day over rocky terrain Chef's pads were starting to crack. We took a day off to let them heal. I'm hoping smaller mileage and the upcoming rest days will put him back to 100%. Only time will tell.