Appalachian-Second Bear Episode

Meanwhile, our troop moved on down the trail. One more bear episode needs be told. We arrived at the next stop with out fail. It was late evening and beginning to get cold. Two of us went to the horse spring for a bath And use the same one to clean our clothes. As we left the spring we saw blocking our path. A mother bear and two cubs, ...fear arose. We hid behind a tree and watched them. In our unlaced boots, carrying wet things. As they walked up the path toward the rim. We knew we couldn’t just appear threatening. We slowly followed keeping the cubs in sight. The mother had left the weanlings. But reappeared on top of a bank on the right. As she jumped we started yelling and arms flinging. They ran, she ran, we gathered our stuff and we ran. Yelling and flailing, we chased them past the adirondack We...right behind, duck into it fast as we can and tie the gate before they could come back. Come back they did and playfully bite on the wire. The boys were elated and good pictures taken, To show their friends that none of us was a liar. Bruce and I recovered after being so visibly shaken. They finally left, and so came to a fitting end, Our last bear episode and good laugh, The other boys had at our expense and chagrin. On the oldest boy and the “chief of staff”. We hiked our last six miles with no major events. Still time to glow for being a trail survivor. Fontana resort awaited...hot showers, condiments Then home...all slept soundly, except me... the driver. © Mar 30 2010 Charles Henderson