Getting ready to head up the mountain to live on the Divide for a couple weeks before resuming my hike, I'm getting my "REAL" world in order. Things like bank accounts, using air Miles before they expire, touching base with health care providers, suspending subscription to Netflix. Seems Internet is slow and sketchy and the thing no longer streams up here. Not even an issue when you're off line, though, is it?
Showing posts with label griz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label griz. Show all posts
Closure-When One Trail Ends
Took this photo because someone on youtube dissed my spelling of the Native American structure. Then, I put on my boots and hiked it a ways. No griz sign, but I had my trusty bear spray clipped to my belt loop anyways. A gal can't be too careful. Some ask me if I've ever used it. Nope, I reply, but it sort of feels like a trusty weapon, one I may have to use against a wild dog or stalker some day. I consider it a last resort, though. Its really potent stuff.
This trail heads across the Madison Range. Seems to go on forever. A sweet stream runs alongside it on the right. Perfect habitat for all things wild.
While exiting the park, a traffic jam is common, especially nearing Old Faithful. Bison herds can not be rushed. The narrow passage from Madison Junction to Fairy Falls doesn't allow many bison to wander off into a field. Put on some good tunes, drink cold soda, and just relax. Unless the rangers come to facilitate, all you can do is be patient. Eventually, an hour later, the bison reached their meadows and dispersed left and right. Traffic resumed and I headed out of the south entrance, through the Tetons. A lovely snow capped mountain range was the reward. Be aware, even on Sunday, road construction is in progress. Tunes, Beverage and Patience. The key to all good karma.
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Survival Hiking-Testing Bear Spray
7:27 AM |
Labels:
elephant back mountain,
griz,
man camp,
survival,
testing bear spray,
whiteout,
wintering in yellowstone
We're expecting a bunch of snow, finally. I was surprised the initial 12 inches melted off, resulting in mud all around the man camp. Other than the hike up to Elephant Back Mountain, snow seemed to disappear.
Taking advantage of my day off, I headed out, even though heavy snow was predicted. I brought along my bear spray, something I've carried up here in griz country for seven years. I've never, ever tested it.
Once I got far up the mountain, I released the safety on the spray, pointed it up the trail. With no wind, and heavy flurries, I gave it a shot.
A great burst of yellow spray covering 8 feet in diameter, easily shooting 20 feet distance, was a rewarding sight. The spray still works. I began to feel the sting, started running full out away from the bear mace.
Reaching the man camp via the employee trail brings one right to the back of Teal Dorm. You can see the trailers to the left of the photo. Once there, a new friend said he just saw a big wolf head right past where I just came from.
I, personally, am not afraid of wolves unless they're in a pack. Its the griz that concern me. I saw lots of tracks on the snowy elephant back trail, some large canine. Wolf, coyote, grouse, some thing big. I practiced walking back in my own tracks, an old "indian" trick. If a person isn't careful coming up the trail, they tend to drag the back heel. If I needed to hide my tracks, I'd be careful to step high. That way, walking back in my own footprints, the drag wouldn't give my direction away.
As soon as I got back to my dorm, I took a hot shower, started packing a survival kit. Around her, a whiteout could mean death if you're not prepared.
Woman Reroutes Griz
I love this story so much I posted the link here about the wrangler in Montana who chases a griz who is dead set on a meal. A little boy and several tourists witnessed it. Dave Letterman does an outstanding job in the interview. The hero horse is shown on stage at the end.
http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/outdoors/2011/oct/11/erin-bolster-and-tonk-late-show-david-letterman/
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