We had a fabulous end-of-summer day today. We loaded up the boys and headed south for berries and mushrooms. On the way, we saw a pod of Beluga whales,(even a few babies), the train, and the mountains in all of their early fall glory. I packed Lucas, and Kiel helped David along our favorite mushroom/berry zone in Girdwood. We’d been there about an hour when Kiel took the boys down the trail a bit while I scavenged for a few more berries. We were within viewing distance of the car, but not really each other, though I could hear them. I’d hit the motherlode spot in a little hallow and was trying to top off my container when I hear: “Chelsea! Back to the car! Back to the car now. Just saw a bear.” in the deepest most stern voice I’d ever heard Kiel use. All I could think about was that I had the bearspray and he had the kids. I made a bee-line for the car, and since there was no trail, got caught up for about 20 seconds in some downed tree debris. I’d armed the canister thinking that maybe the bear was on the trail and behind them and wanted to come out ready. We arrived at the car at the same time. Kiel said, “It was a grizzly, and it was coming strait toward you.” With trembling hands, I buckled the baby in his seat and we headed out.
Later, Kiel would tell me that he first heard the bear, then saw it about 40ft away from where they were. He grabbed the kids up in his arms, and headed back to the main trail. He said he didn’t know where I was, but that once he got to the trail, he saw my red coat and that’s when he shouted. We were not far apart at all, and I know that God kept us safe-because I almost didn’t wear that coat today as it’s heavier than my dark blue coat. I had a thought before we left the house that I’d be easier to spot if I was in red, knowing that we seperate a bit on these trips. So, I reluctantly took it instead. Thank you Lord, and thank you hubby for watching out for me.
Now, I’d bet that the bear would have gone off, as he did turn away when Kiel started back to the trail, but I’m really glad I didn’t find out. I didn’t hear or see a thing other than lucious blueberries-which I’m sure we were both after. With the crazy bear season we’ve been having up here this summer, I’m happy to not see them at all, and this little non-encounter will keep me more aware in the future.
We still had a great picnic after berry picking. Later we took a trip to see the ducks at our local end-of-the-street pond, and found our first Water Tiger-a larval stage diving beetle that was immensely ferocious for it’s size. Then headed home for homemade pizza and a good weight lifting workout this evening. ‘All’s well that ends well’ they say. Today, I’d agree.
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