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January 02nd, 2017

1/2/2017

12 Comments

 
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The whole concept of 'wild' was decidedly European, one not shared by the original inhabitants of this continent. What we called 'wilderness' was to the Indian a homeland, 'abiding loveliness' in Salish or Piegan. The land was not something to be feared or conquered, and 'wildlife' were neither wild nor alien; they were relatives. Douglas Peacock

Morning y'all,
It's a beautiful, rainy morning up top. The high yesterday 44 degrees. The overnight low was 40 degrees. It was 44 degrees and raining lightly at 7am observation. The mountain received .44 inches of rain last night. The warm rain is sure to have melted out some of the ice on trail. I would not consider Microspikes a necessity at this point. The trails are sure to be soggy today, so be prepared for wet conditions! Get out and enjoy the day!
​
I went for a brief run yesterday, moreso to move my mind than to move my body. It was an uninspiring day to get out - windy, gray, with a light rain coming in spurts. I had to overcome the quiet inertia that a day spent with good book and comfortable bed produces. I checked in at the shelter, then went out to Cliff Tops to watch the clouds for a minute. I descended the steeper, icier way and picked my way through the rocks in my light trail runners. As I stopped my watch and turned toward the kitchen, I was surprised to find a black bear standing on the picnic table! We were about 4 feet from another and I am not sure who was more startled. I nearly slipped in the mud but was able to make my way back to my cabin. I ended up watching him from my porch for a bit before shooing him off with an air horn. I wish that I could have gotten a photo, but my phone was in the kitchen. I don't know what kind of omen seeing a black bear on the first day of the year represents, but it feels like it's probably something...
12 Comments
Alan
1/2/2017 10:15:39 am

JP - Glad your New Year's run ended safely. I would have probably fainted at the sight of the bear being so close!

Reply
Elaine
1/2/2017 11:14:17 am

Glad you weren't tempted to commune with the bear. At the same, do remember that 85% of their diet is vegetarian. I'm sure that unusual weather has thrown off his behavior. He should be hibernating

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Linda H
1/2/2017 11:15:35 am

The Cherokee ,depending on what a person reads or hears,regarded the Black Bear as their brother. Think it's Gods way (maybe)of allowing you to see who else the mountains are shared with : ) hopefully not a nuisance bear! Happy New Year for sure!

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Franklin
1/2/2017 12:09:16 pm

Quite a surprise I'm sure. And it's "bearly" 2017. :-)

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Christy
1/2/2017 02:37:41 pm

it's a good story anyway :)

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doug y link
1/2/2017 03:16:05 pm

All that bear wanted was a snack !!

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mcculley
1/2/2017 04:42:19 pm

'jp .....i just couldn't resist

few places on this earth are more dangerous than home.
fear not, therefor, to try the mountain passes. they will kill care,.save you from deadly apathy, set you free, call forth every faculty into vigorous, enthusiastic action.
john muir

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sherleen
1/3/2017 02:10:40 am

I enjoyed your adventure and bear blessing today. Adds some spice to your day huh? Take care. You may see snow during the forth coming weekend .:-)

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jmohr
1/3/2017 07:28:40 am

Is this the first time that you have had a black bear at LeConte? Do you carry small air horn when you go out for a run?
We are so glad that you are safe. Really enjoy all of your posts.

Reply
JP
1/3/2017 11:01:40 am

Jmohr,

I have seen black bears 3 out of my 6 seasons now.... I do not carry an air horn on my runs...

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Marilyn
1/3/2017 09:58:01 am

I think he was just there for The Teddy Bears picnic.Let's see how many get this. It is a kid's thing.

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Barbara
1/3/2017 05:50:10 pm

"🎶Don't go out in the woods today........today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic🎶"

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