A recount of my bear encounter was published in the State Journal Register on the 4th. Here is a direct link. http://www.sj-r.com/outdoors/x135742499/Over-there-its-a-bear
If you want to see more, the complete story is on my blog the empty nest http://em-t-nest.blogspot.com/ along with more pictures. You saw it first here. Original post below.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The bear encounter.
It was about 3 PM CDT making it 4 PM local. We were camped in Big Meadows Campground in Shenandoah National Park. The weather was clear that day and I had spent the morning hiking down the trail to Dark Hollows Falls. We had experienced lots of fog and rain so I was wanting to make the best of a rare rain free day. I topped my monopod walking stick with a simple digital Canon Powershot A590. The camera backpack was lightened up so I could travel quickly and return before dark. Inside the bag was my Canon 5D Mark II with a 28-135 mm zoom lens. The heavy telephoto zoom was left behind.
I started out on a section of the Appalachian Trail behind the campground and quickly turned onto the Lewis Falls trail to descend about 800 feet down to the observation point at the falls level. Alone on the trail, it was easy for the mind to visit many places as the feet seemed to negotiate the rocky trail on their own. Thoughts come and go. I think every hiker in bear habitat area has to come to terms with the thought that some day they will encounter a bear on the trail. Just the day before, my wife and I talked about the possibility and we decided the best option was to display as large an intruder as possible. I say intruder because that is what we are; we're intruders in the bears land. We thought we would stand side-by-side with arms outstretched making loud noises. Once you come to grips wither the possibility, it is time to move on to other more pleasant thoughts. On this trail, I knew I was venturing into the active time of the bears as dusk would be approaching soon. I also knew I was alone, possibility not the best idea but my only option at this time because my wife's knees would no longer support her on a long hike particularly where a climb is included.
Each step resonated though my body as my feet hit the large sharp rocks making up most of the decent. Clomp, clomp, clomp down the trail I went. “A noisy hiker is not likely to startle a bear”, I kept thinking to my self. At times I considered whistling or singing but I knew I was overreacting, over thinking this whole bear thing. About half way down the trail, there in the center of my path was a large pile of Bear Dung! It wasn't still steaming but it did look fresh! It doesn't take an Indian guide to recognize bear dung. IT IS BIG! Was this a warning? An omen? My wondering mind was quickly brought back to the here and now. I reasoned that I would be just as likely to encounter a bear if I turned back or went on to the falls. I stepped over and headed on. I did take extra precautions to be aware of my surroundings and possible trail mates!
As I reached the falls overlook, I caught up with my first fellow hiker. Some how, this gave me some feeling of security. We exchanged pictures and headed down the trail to the observation point below. I lingered at the falls and again found myself alone. Another group then joined me and we headed back up the trail together. They were younger, so I was falling further and further behind and about half way up, our trails split as they headed up the easier fire road and I cut back onto the Appalachian Trail to head back to the campsite. I had figured 1 hour down, one hour at the falls and 1 hour back. This would put me back at 7 PM local time; prime bear time. I was ahead of schedule as I headed, again alone, back toward the campground. This part of the trail was not as rocky and I had completed most of the climb. The monotony of the trail now started releasing the leash on my thoughts and they began to wonder. I was breathing in the fresh air, and absorbing the pure vibrations of nature. The endorphins were flowing and I was on a nature high.
AS I approached a bend in the trail, the endorphins were replaced with adrenalin. There lass than 20 feet away was a full grown female bear in all her splendor. At age 63, this was my first up close and personal encounter on a trail. I had played the scenario many times in my mind but this was the real thing. I was there and so was the bear. I stood still as she looked me over. I was doing the same thing to her. All that advice about not making eye contact, I didn't care what the experts said, I was watching every move she made to judge her next move. I figured if necessary, I would use the walking stick and attached camera as my weapon of choice but hopefully it would not be needed. AS I calmed down and started to reason out my next action, I knew that my first action might be the most important decision effecting the rest of my life, short as it might be. I placed my hand around the top of my only weapon and tensed up as I carefully gripped the hand-hold and snapped off a picture! If this was going to be my last picture, it better be a good one! She started in my direction at about a 30 degree angle from a straight line to me. I countered with an advancement along the trail. AS I proceeded, I turned to constantly face her as we passed within feet. Sure wish I would have fired off a few more shots but I was more interested in the option to see the shots on the big monitor. About 30 yards down the trail, I stopped and took the good camera out of the backpack. It was at this time, I realized there were two cubs playing in the meadow. Momma was more interested in going to them than going after me. Where is that telephoto lens when you need it. I felt too vulnerable to get close enough for any really award winning shots but I sure had a story to tell.
With shadows ever lengthening, I headed on down the trail knowing I had passed the bear test. I had cell service on this side of the ridge so I took the opportujity to call my daughters and let them know that dear OLD Dad had passed the bear test. I kept looking back to be certain Momma bear had not decided to follow me home for dinner; hers! I remember laughing over the phone saying that she had probably told her brother and his friends about the encounter and they would be waiting for me in the parking lot at the end of the trail. I could see them standing around in a semi-circle with chains and clubs. They were wearing leather vests with gang symbols on them. We laughed, Kim and I, not the bears as I walked back to the camper to tell my story to anyone who would listen.
I started out on a section of the Appalachian Trail behind the campground and quickly turned onto the Lewis Falls trail to descend about 800 feet down to the observation point at the falls level. Alone on the trail, it was easy for the mind to visit many places as the feet seemed to negotiate the rocky trail on their own. Thoughts come and go. I think every hiker in bear habitat area has to come to terms with the thought that some day they will encounter a bear on the trail. Just the day before, my wife and I talked about the possibility and we decided the best option was to display as large an intruder as possible. I say intruder because that is what we are; we're intruders in the bears land. We thought we would stand side-by-side with arms outstretched making loud noises. Once you come to grips wither the possibility, it is time to move on to other more pleasant thoughts. On this trail, I knew I was venturing into the active time of the bears as dusk would be approaching soon. I also knew I was alone, possibility not the best idea but my only option at this time because my wife's knees would no longer support her on a long hike particularly where a climb is included.
Each step resonated though my body as my feet hit the large sharp rocks making up most of the decent. Clomp, clomp, clomp down the trail I went. “A noisy hiker is not likely to startle a bear”, I kept thinking to my self. At times I considered whistling or singing but I knew I was overreacting, over thinking this whole bear thing. About half way down the trail, there in the center of my path was a large pile of Bear Dung! It wasn't still steaming but it did look fresh! It doesn't take an Indian guide to recognize bear dung. IT IS BIG! Was this a warning? An omen? My wondering mind was quickly brought back to the here and now. I reasoned that I would be just as likely to encounter a bear if I turned back or went on to the falls. I stepped over and headed on. I did take extra precautions to be aware of my surroundings and possible trail mates!
As I reached the falls overlook, I caught up with my first fellow hiker. Some how, this gave me some feeling of security. We exchanged pictures and headed down the trail to the observation point below. I lingered at the falls and again found myself alone. Another group then joined me and we headed back up the trail together. They were younger, so I was falling further and further behind and about half way up, our trails split as they headed up the easier fire road and I cut back onto the Appalachian Trail to head back to the campsite. I had figured 1 hour down, one hour at the falls and 1 hour back. This would put me back at 7 PM local time; prime bear time. I was ahead of schedule as I headed, again alone, back toward the campground. This part of the trail was not as rocky and I had completed most of the climb. The monotony of the trail now started releasing the leash on my thoughts and they began to wonder. I was breathing in the fresh air, and absorbing the pure vibrations of nature. The endorphins were flowing and I was on a nature high.
AS I approached a bend in the trail, the endorphins were replaced with adrenalin. There lass than 20 feet away was a full grown female bear in all her splendor. At age 63, this was my first up close and personal encounter on a trail. I had played the scenario many times in my mind but this was the real thing. I was there and so was the bear. I stood still as she looked me over. I was doing the same thing to her. All that advice about not making eye contact, I didn't care what the experts said, I was watching every move she made to judge her next move. I figured if necessary, I would use the walking stick and attached camera as my weapon of choice but hopefully it would not be needed. AS I calmed down and started to reason out my next action, I knew that my first action might be the most important decision effecting the rest of my life, short as it might be. I placed my hand around the top of my only weapon and tensed up as I carefully gripped the hand-hold and snapped off a picture! If this was going to be my last picture, it better be a good one! She started in my direction at about a 30 degree angle from a straight line to me. I countered with an advancement along the trail. AS I proceeded, I turned to constantly face her as we passed within feet. Sure wish I would have fired off a few more shots but I was more interested in the option to see the shots on the big monitor. About 30 yards down the trail, I stopped and took the good camera out of the backpack. It was at this time, I realized there were two cubs playing in the meadow. Momma was more interested in going to them than going after me. Where is that telephoto lens when you need it. I felt too vulnerable to get close enough for any really award winning shots but I sure had a story to tell.
With shadows ever lengthening, I headed on down the trail knowing I had passed the bear test. I had cell service on this side of the ridge so I took the opportujity to call my daughters and let them know that dear OLD Dad had passed the bear test. I kept looking back to be certain Momma bear had not decided to follow me home for dinner; hers! I remember laughing over the phone saying that she had probably told her brother and his friends about the encounter and they would be waiting for me in the parking lot at the end of the trail. I could see them standing around in a semi-circle with chains and clubs. They were wearing leather vests with gang symbols on them. We laughed, Kim and I, not the bears as I walked back to the camper to tell my story to anyone who would listen.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Reunion update
It has been brought to my attention that there was a question as to who was invited to this year's class reunion. Obviously, the primary emphasis is to contact and invite as many 64 SHS graduates as possible. The reunion committee has gone the extra mile to attempt to do this.
The general purpose of the reunion is to bring together friends from our school years so we can rekindle old friendships and make new ones with people who helped shape our past. What if these people moved away before graduation but still had a strong tie to our class; were they to be invited? What if a person socialized with a group from our class but did not actually graduate from SHS in 64 could they be included? The consensus in the past to allow these types of requests has set up a precedence that is still followed. Members at the recent committee meeting discussed this policy and found no reason to change. An advertisement in the local newspaper will read:
Springfield High School's class of 1964 will be hosting the classes 45th Reunion on September 11, 2009 ( mixer) and September 12, 2009 (dinner). If you were in our class and were not notified of this reunion and would like to attend both or one of these nights, please contact Pat at email - ttsgolf@gmail.com or phone Pat at 787-0365 to make a reservation. Pat will provide the information on cost and the places to attend. We would also like to extend an invitation to the class of 1963 and 1965.
I hope this helps answer any question you might have. Feel free to post your agreement or disagreement with this policy. Perhaps this open door policy will be re-explored again before the next reunion.
The general purpose of the reunion is to bring together friends from our school years so we can rekindle old friendships and make new ones with people who helped shape our past. What if these people moved away before graduation but still had a strong tie to our class; were they to be invited? What if a person socialized with a group from our class but did not actually graduate from SHS in 64 could they be included? The consensus in the past to allow these types of requests has set up a precedence that is still followed. Members at the recent committee meeting discussed this policy and found no reason to change. An advertisement in the local newspaper will read:
Springfield High School's class of 1964 will be hosting the classes 45th Reunion on September 11, 2009 ( mixer) and September 12, 2009 (dinner). If you were in our class and were not notified of this reunion and would like to attend both or one of these nights, please contact Pat at email - ttsgolf@gmail.com or phone Pat at 787-0365 to make a reservation. Pat will provide the information on cost and the places to attend. We would also like to extend an invitation to the class of 1963 and 1965.
I hope this helps answer any question you might have. Feel free to post your agreement or disagreement with this policy. Perhaps this open door policy will be re-explored again before the next reunion.
World travels
Jean Gruber sent the following pictures from her trip to Thailand this past January.
Jean receiving thank you certificate from principa of school in Chiang Mia, Thailand
Jean in Narita Airport
Jean at Orchid Farm in Chiang Mai
Jean at Elephant Camp, Chiang Mai, Thailand.jpg)
Jean & friend Melissa (driving)Friday, May 22, 2009
Did you know?
Did you know that by clicking on the slide show in the right column, you will be taken to an index of all the pictures that have appeared on this blog?
Now you do!
Now you do!
Swine flu?
It was almost 4 am when I awoke from my office lounger. My nose has been running for several days and I can't sleep due to the sore throat. So, what do you do at 4 am? That is simple, clean out the 800 e-mails still on file. In the process one might find notes for posting on the website. That was the case this morning.
The following posts come from those e-mail archives. Sorry some are a bit late but enjoyable anyway. WE have Becky's travelogue and graduation announcements followed by a Memorial Day posting.
So, Becky, keep on flying or quilting. Leslie keep on being proud of the graduate as I will be of mine and Rod thanks for the reminder.
The following posts come from those e-mail archives. Sorry some are a bit late but enjoyable anyway. WE have Becky's travelogue and graduation announcements followed by a Memorial Day posting.
So, Becky, keep on flying or quilting. Leslie keep on being proud of the graduate as I will be of mine and Rod thanks for the reminder.
Becky on the move again!
Here are some entries from Becky back in April. Come on folks, are Becky and Tom the only ones doing anything.? Send in your pictures and notes. You too can be a star on the class of 64 Chronicles.
And this was the picture I was looking for, the view from our
room at Alila. Ain't life grand?!!
Here we have Becky walking her monkey. Becky is on the left!
This is one of those me and pictures....note the darker areas,
that is black soil/ash whatever from the eruption in 1994. Our
guide told us no one died during that one as they were able
to evacuate everyone before it erupted.
We ate a fabulous lunch of satays and pumpkin soup at a
restaurant just steps away from this site.
Taken today April 7, 2009. We also went to a Balinese
coffee and spice place and tried Luwak coffee, ever heard of
it? Well a Mongoose eats the coffee beans, digests it and then
the leavings are processed and supposedly it is the best coffee
in the world......frankly I thought it tasted just like coffee, but the
sludge it left in the cup looked more like Mongoose Shit.
We're now at Alila Hotel Mangiss which sits on the Indian Ocean,
such a lovely view from our room. We've had a swim and a
beach walk and are preparing for dinner, in other words my
hair is drying as we speak!
Love you guys! T&B
that is black soil/ash whatever from the eruption in 1994. Our
guide told us no one died during that one as they were able
to evacuate everyone before it erupted.
We ate a fabulous lunch of satays and pumpkin soup at a
restaurant just steps away from this site.
Taken today April 7, 2009. We also went to a Balinese
coffee and spice place and tried Luwak coffee, ever heard of
it? Well a Mongoose eats the coffee beans, digests it and then
the leavings are processed and supposedly it is the best coffee
in the world......frankly I thought it tasted just like coffee, but the
sludge it left in the cup looked more like Mongoose Shit.
We're now at Alila Hotel Mangiss which sits on the Indian Ocean,
such a lovely view from our room. We've had a swim and a
beach walk and are preparing for dinner, in other words my
hair is drying as we speak!
Love you guys! T&B
room at Alila. Ain't life grand?!!
Here we have Becky walking her monkey. Becky is on the left!
Becky in the news
Hi Everyone,
We had a great gal doing the publicity for our guild show coming up this Friday, she got all kinds of things going and she just happens to be in my stitch group. A reporter came to our bee two weeks ago and the above is the article they published in today's 7Days supplement to the newspaper. Mind you, in the paper, that picture of me is a FULL page so that chin is sticking out there like who? maybe Jay Leno or much worse! How totally embarrassing.......anyway......parts of the article are straight out of my mouth, like about using old blankets and such and the part about the love etc going into the quilt......I thought you might all enjoy seeing the article. Tom and I were discussing it and I have been published here I think six times now.....pretty amazing for a little ole Springfield girl. Notice how that very young reporter talked about us like we were ancient relics! I had the pie article in Friday Magazine, and the Tsunami cookbook, the Dubai Quilters Guild Cookbook and the PIecemakers cookbook (it's just about to come out) and Tom and I were in Monde Night a local magazine. Nothing stunning really except that chin! For some reason Tom really got a big kick out of this silly thing......our guild is just trying to promote the show as we have two beautiful quilts we are raffling off for the Women and Children's shelter here, ticket sales have been great..and yes I participated in making one of the quilts, I was the layout and ironing girl....somebody cut, somebody sewed, somebody ironed and laid out and somebody quilted, then somebody did the binding....so many of us had a part, we made two quilts in one day! We had a potluck lunch and a lot of fun. I do love the way this article tells about how we're so international. You can also look up Friday magazine, and there is a picture of Maggie, the publicity gal and in the background our two charity quilts....and yes all you quilters, I do have the pattern for them......they are exactly the same pattern just different colors/fabrics. The quilt I am working on in the picture, is for someone special in my life, soon, I hope, that person will know all about it. Quilts can be fast and easy or take a bit longer and a bit more care, I have had to do some ripping on my project so I am behind schedule and this one won't appear in the guild show, I am disappointed in that, but picky enough that I have had to do a few ripouts and those can take a bit of time and care.
http://www.7days.ae/storydetails.php?id=77726&title=Busy%20bees
We had a great gal doing the publicity for our guild show coming up this Friday, she got all kinds of things going and she just happens to be in my stitch group. A reporter came to our bee two weeks ago and the above is the article they published in today's 7Days supplement to the newspaper. Mind you, in the paper, that picture of me is a FULL page so that chin is sticking out there like who? maybe Jay Leno or much worse! How totally embarrassing.......anyway......parts of the article are straight out of my mouth, like about using old blankets and such and the part about the love etc going into the quilt......I thought you might all enjoy seeing the article. Tom and I were discussing it and I have been published here I think six times now.....pretty amazing for a little ole Springfield girl. Notice how that very young reporter talked about us like we were ancient relics! I had the pie article in Friday Magazine, and the Tsunami cookbook, the Dubai Quilters Guild Cookbook and the PIecemakers cookbook (it's just about to come out) and Tom and I were in Monde Night a local magazine. Nothing stunning really except that chin! For some reason Tom really got a big kick out of this silly thing......our guild is just trying to promote the show as we have two beautiful quilts we are raffling off for the Women and Children's shelter here, ticket sales have been great..and yes I participated in making one of the quilts, I was the layout and ironing girl....somebody cut, somebody sewed, somebody ironed and laid out and somebody quilted, then somebody did the binding....so many of us had a part, we made two quilts in one day! We had a potluck lunch and a lot of fun. I do love the way this article tells about how we're so international. You can also look up Friday magazine, and there is a picture of Maggie, the publicity gal and in the background our two charity quilts....and yes all you quilters, I do have the pattern for them......they are exactly the same pattern just different colors/fabrics. The quilt I am working on in the picture, is for someone special in my life, soon, I hope, that person will know all about it. Quilts can be fast and easy or take a bit longer and a bit more care, I have had to do some ripping on my project so I am behind schedule and this one won't appear in the guild show, I am disappointed in that, but picky enough that I have had to do a few ripouts and those can take a bit of time and care.
http://www.7days.ae/storydetails.php?id=77726&title=Busy%20bees
Graduation time
Above: I am standing with my daughter Kim before her graduation ceremony which was moved for the third time due to Carbondale's inland hurricane. She graduated cum laude from SIU-Carbondale on Sunday, May 10, 2009 from the College of Liberal Arts in Psychology, with minors in Chemistry and Forensic Science.You can see pictures of the hurricane and graduation on my FaceBook page.
Below: Phyllis J. Fleming (left), assistant professor of English and speech at Patrick Henry Community College, gives her granddaughter, Amber Shackett, daughter of Kelly and Lesley Shackett of Martinsville, a kiss after Amber graduated from PHCC on Saturday. (Bulletin photo by Mike Wray)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
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