Monday, April 26, 2010

Hiking with Bear Spray

This weekend we hiked in Glacier Park, up to Avalanche Lake.
The bear spray is in that backpack I have on.
We went on a fairly popular trail, but bears still visit the popular trails.

I told the kids it was important to make noise when turning a blind corner- clap or shout so you don't take the bears by surprise.

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Toots was a little nervous about the whole thing so he clapped most of the way.

Hottie Husband kept emphasizing that people come from all over the world to hike in Glacier and that we were just being smart, but that it was unlikely that we would be attacked by a bear.

Yes dear, but we are Californians still. 
Next year, after some experience, we will be more like Montanans.

This is why we hike, right here.

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To see creation in all its glory!

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It is called Avalanche Gorge and is absolutely stunning in person.

You can't really tell in this photo, but it started to snow at one point.
Do notice that Jackie Boy is in shorts. As is Mister Luke.
Little Bear is in that backpack.
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There was still some snow on the trail that made for some slippery trekking.
There were a few falls.
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LB enjoyed the journey and was quite a trooper on our long hike

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that took us to Avalanche Lake
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Then we headed back and Toots needed a lift.
So, HH carried this 55 pound child with another twenty pound child on his back at a pace I had trouble keeping up with.

Just so you know, I offered to take the one in the backpack.
Was slightly relieved when he declined.
And was very thankful that I have been working out so I didn't look like a total loser.

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We didn't see any bears.
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Probably because I have very noisy children.
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It is really okay.
Seeing this water rushing was enough of a thrill for me. 

10 comments:

livinginbetween said...

This living vicariously through you is getting embarrassing. Glacier Park is number one on my list of parks I want to visit out west. I'm trying hard not to be jealous. Um, I'm failing.

Your relief at not seeing a bear cracks me up. We hiked in the Black Hills in mountain lion territory, and I was so nervous! Boy was I happy to get back each day without claw marks. :)

Hattie said...

How cool! Love the beautiful pics. I bet your boys loved the hike. So happy to hear that y'all didn't run into any bears!

Kendra said...

Awesome! That is indeed a gorgeous hike! :-)

Foursons said...

Wow, what amazing photos. I'm sure it looked incredible in person. And HH is a total stud. Not only is he easy on the eyes, but he is a true man's man.

MamaMonki said...

I confess I am jealous! Can my family come vacation in your bcakyard?

partialemptynester said...

So beautiful!!!! Worth all the falls, clapping and bear fear, I'm sure!

Brigetta's Mom said...

So So thankful you all made it out unscathed by anything in them there hills:-)

donahugh43 said...

I just read a verse from the Bible that said the harder the journey the sweeter the rewards. I am so grateful you all are so enjoying the rewards. You are truley living in Gods country

Unknown said...

Such beautiful pics, jealous of the view, although we don't do outdoors as much because of everyones allergies, maybe we will still brave our own trails in the fall when we do better than spring and summer.

campbell6 said...

Clap louder toots! Give that boy a tambourine! Please don't be bear lunch...you're our only sender of beautiful pictures from Montana. Well, that was a tad selfish. Please don't be bear lunch just because we love you unconditionally. Now, can we come camp in the backyard with the other sweetly envious blog sistas? We'll bring crash cymbals. Hey, what's a former music teacher good for if not the crash cymbals?