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
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

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M Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 5:54 PM
Whoa! That was an awesome thriller! I'm emailing both parts to my siblings.
Devonshire Avatar
March 30, 2010 at 7:59 PM
Charles, yes the experience I wrote about in Pushing too Hard happened to me when I was 27 years old. Been struggling to recover ever since, but writing about it actually seemed to help. I seldom mention it.
Richards Avatar
March 30, 2010 at 4:21 PM
What a wonderful story this was. We feel we are on this adventure with you! Enjoyable poems! ~ Love, Carrie
Culverhouse Avatar
March 30, 2010 at 4:19 PM
enjoyed, sounds like an adventure!! Almost as scary as going to the doctor today.
Devonshire Avatar
March 30, 2010 at 4:19 PM
Wow! Great narrative, Charles!! You had me on the edge of my seat through parts one and two. Thank goodness the boys made it to the resort; it took a lot of courage! Did this really happen to you? Love, Carolyn
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