BEARS!

BEARS in the wood
We have all camped or hiked and run into Bear sign. In many ways this is exciting, in other ways it is unnerving. Ask any tenderfoot what he fears most in the wild and Bears will almost always be at the top of the short list. But why?

Most of us have never had a "run in" with a Bear, in fact most of us have never seen a Bear in the wild. Just like the Grey Wolf, the Black Bear has a terrible reputation that is 99% undeserved.
Oh I have heard stories of attacks and maulings by Black Bear but almost always these have been caused by man himself.

We "visitors" to the green wood tend to bring along our bad habits. Along with those habits come consequences.

Bears do what Bears do, you will never find them stealing your SUV from the parking area and going on joy rides, nor will you find them stretched out on the sofa of your vacation cabin watching Regis in the morning. They seem to get into the same kind of mischief all the time and it is almost always because of one thing, FOOD!

Man brings things into the forest that most Bears have never smelled before. These things attracted Bears for a number of reasons, hunger and ease of acquisition being first but also curiosity as well. A Bear might eat your deodorant just because it smelled different (not good just different)

Even smoke can draw attention from Bears who have learned that smoke means food under the right conditions.

Never bring food of any kind into the tent, even for an instant. Cook down wind of your sleeping area and don't wear your sleeping clothes while cooking or around the campfire.

If you smell like a Mountain House meal or Hot dog the Bear is bound to try and taste you. Candy is a BIG no no. leave it and your trail mix with the food bag (high in a tree)

In my area of concern the Black Bear is the only real Bruin I need to worry about.










He is known to be poor of sight but incredibly keen of nose. A Black Bear smells you long before he sees you or your camp. He will approach from down wind and at a distance of several hundred yards knows what your making for breakfast, God help you if it's pancakes and maple syrup. He has a propensity towards sweets and can sniff out a Snickers bar in your tent no matter what it's in.

LEAVE FOOD OUTSIDE THE TENT!!! Hang it high in a tree and five feet from the trunk, Black Bears are extraordinary climbers. Trash is another attractant. Whats garbage to you is a feast to the Bear. Where legal, burn what will burn, or better still, PACK IT OUT!

The most dangerous time to confront a Bear is when Mom is with Cubs. Keep this in mind. YOU ARE THE ENEMY! She does not care if you were just communing with nature with your ipod playing John Denver as you watch the splendor of the natural world........She will kill you! Stay away, Keep back!










As my friends in the parks department would say, you are about to have a
BEAR ENCOUNTER.

These are seldom pleasant. Carry a whistle, wear a Bear bell laced into your boot (a round bell the size of a large marble much like a sleigh bell) these stupid little noise makers may save your life. As you walk the constant ching ching warns the Bear that something different this way comes.

My key ring almost always is clipped to my side, on it is five must have keys a p38, fero/magnesium rod and a Best brand whistle. The clanging as I walk is reminiscent of a gunfighters spurs in a grade B western BUT it makes noise and I like it.
Should I need to "go stealthy" I tuck the ring in a pocket and I'm kool as Christmas but for much of the time it tells the world I"M COMING", I like that.

Advanced Bear protection might include an early warning system set up around camp when you tuck in for the night. I don't always bother but in areas where Bear sign is fresh I hang my Bear bells and other clanging items like cans or "CLEAN" mess gear from dental floss around the perimeter. The floss is strong and the little plastic box fits well into my kit. Keep it off the ground by a foot and a half and the Skunks/Raccoons wont bother you all night. Sleep with your whistle and when the clanging starts it's flashlight and whistle time.

OK, lets say you did your best but the plan did not survive intact and you are face to face with a Bear. Now what??

Make yourself BIG, put your arms over your head to increase your over all height, yell, scream use the whistle, stomp up and down...you know, act like a jerk.

Most times the Bear will stop or run off. If the Bear holds his ground, shakes his head from side to side like a dog throwing off water after a bath or Clicks his teeth as if chewing...you are in a bad place my Brother and better you then me, prepare for an attack um-ah I mean a Bear Encounter. If you have Bear spray NOW is the time to have it in your hand. Shake the can well, I keep mine in the outside pocket of my primary pack so I can draw it like a handgun. It gets shaken regularly while I move and is almost always ready. Bear sprays are not the same as the sprays you might carry for defence against muggers so don't try to carry one of these units instead of the REAL thing.
Bear spray shoots farther and is usually oil based instead of water based (it spreads and adheres)the droplets are much smaller giving better coverage and these units are larger to allow for enough "juice" to stop a charging bruin. Aim at the Bear's head and fire a short blast at his nose/eyes. When hit the Bear should stop in his tracks and even rear up in pain. This stuff is hot (don't worry it wont do any permanent damage to the Bear) If he tries to wipe it off with his paws or digs his nose into the ground that's a good thing, he will only spread the oil into his eyes/skin producing the desired affect. Be prepared to fire again just in case, oh and be prepared to run....fast.
The Bear may run into the forest to lick his wounds or he may run right over your tent trying to get to the forest after all he can't see or smell, he is in pain and scared. He only wants out so don't get in his way.
Even if you only use it once, replace your Bear spray unit after discharge. GET A NEW ONE! The seal might begin to leak once the initial shot is fired and never TEST your spray. You might save this unit as a back up for the cabin or for a second hiker in your party but never rely on it as your primary Bear spray again.







The American Indians knew how to deal with Bears...they left them alone. Usually only the medicine man could sport a Bear robe...this was heavy duty ju ju and for good reason. Bears are to be respected and left alone to live unmolested by man.

However seeing how we are entering into his domain it should be us that protects his reputation. Don't make a Bear a menace by feeding him or disturbing his den areas. Leave him alone and you will both live longer.

Pick up a can of Bear spray, learn how to use it and keep it ready (your whistle and bell too)

I am not a hunter of Bears, I have seen them in the wild and observed from distance (just the way I like it) I mean him no harm and wish only good things for my Brother the Bear. That's why I leave him be!


Now this guy is another story. Thank goodness I don't have any of these Big Bastards around my woods.
My Friend Mike was nibbled on by a Grizzly Bear just a few steps from his home in Alaska. Mike was out for his morning jog when out came Griz and down went Mike. Being a well trained outdoors man he knew what to do if this ever happened (first soil pants) and his second nature kicked in. He had been trained to cover and roll and protect his head and neck from the powerful jaws of the Grizzly or as I call them the:
Mankillus eatem upus!

He survived the attack (encounter) and made the grade by being in the local paper.....Mankillus eatem upus attack of tender tasty man from Anchor Point Alaska..man survives / bear claims running shoes tastes like chicken, details and recipes at 5:00

Mike Dude, buy some spray....


Safe Travels
RJ

"All along the watch tower", Balsam Lake Mountain

With a need for new ground under my feet, I stuck a pin in a map and headed North.
The Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower beckoned me to stand on it's legs and view the Catskills from a new perspective.
What was planned as a two/three day trip was cut short due to the threat of hazardous weather. I decided to head for the historic summit of Balsam Lake Mountain. Balsam Lake Mountain in and of itself is not that historic, the Fire Tower on it's summit however is.

It was the very first Fire Watch Tower ever erected in New York State. Placed on it's lofty perch in 1887 (then made of local wood) the watch tower was the high ground for as far as the eye could see. It still is, oh there are higher peaks in this region to be sure but all within eye shot of the tower. President Grover Cleveland was in office then (his first term, Cleveland being the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms) in England 1887, Conan Doyle saw his first Sherlock Holmes story published. In Punxsutawney Pennsylvania the very first Ground Hog Day took place on Gobblers Knob. In the Catskills, sweaty men were building a tower.

The tower was the only man made structure visible in a sea of rolling green. The first tower burned after being hit by lightning and was rebuilt, in fact the tower has seen many incarnations over the years. Wood gave way to steel and that gave way to new steel. Five or six towers have occupied the mountain top as well as a cabin for use by the "Ranger" watch person. It is more of a hiking curiosity now and a historical way point. Whatever it is, it's on my visit list.

The relatively short hike would take less time to do then the drive from my home but it seemed worth while.
Being a Fly fisher, I was also looking forward to spending time along the Beaver kill River. This fishing Mecca of clear running Catskill water is a Trout fisher's Paradise. Reminders of who waded these waters and who still does can be found if you know where to look.














The trail starts out like many at an isolated parking area off a back road. This trail was one of the narrowest I have ever encountered in the Catskills, I took it to mean the area was lightly visited but latter decided it was just caused by pigeon toed hikers.


The Beaver Kill is a River not unlike my beloved Neversink. Mountain fed and cold, running through small communities and attracting people here and there. Sport fishers and sight seers as well as photographers and lowly hikers. It's beauty is undeniable.



The cool, moist forest warmed slowly as the sun moved over the hills. I find it strange how ferns and other forest greenery will at times take on the scent of Peaches as the dew evaporates from their leaves. I find it intoxicating and always stop for a deep breath.






At some point the random setting on my MP3 suddenly changed from Beethoven's sixth to Herb Alpert.
That's all I needed, my mood changed a bit.

Horse hoof fungus and wild mushrooms abound. The trail twisted and turned ever climbing as the forest heated up. The soft spongy ground under foot was evidence of the rain the region had experienced in the past month. Prints left from creatures that had gone on ahead were all over the trail. Only one set of Human prints were visible to me, and I was hunting for them. Even these didn't go all the way to the top, they cut off trail to a shelter .25 miles away. I planned to visit the shelter on my way down.....now, the tower was calling me.
Black Bear prints were fresh just ahead of me, I turned up the MP3 and whistled so I would not surprise him.

Then just as I was concentrating on small things a big thing revealed itself. Like something out of an H.G. Wells novel, the leg of some giant unnatural thing could be seen in the clearing ahead.

The views from the tower were as expected, impressive. Just the right amount of drifting clouds scraping the green rolling mountain tops to make even a casual observer stop and be thankful for the privilege of bipedal cross country travel.

With Warren Zevon in my ears, a freshening breeze in my face and a show only nature could provide, I was unaware of the attempted larceny taking place forty seven feet below me. I had placed my day pack on the picnic table while I climbed the tower for some video. From out of the dark woods came a ravenous creature hell bent on exploiting my ignorance.

Thief! I felt violated. I rushed back down to earth to defend my possibles from further larcenous Lepus looting. Foul and awful beast! I yelled as it ran for the safety of the evergreen. Later I felt sorry for the furry thing and left a hand full of trail mix for him. I hope he likes chocolate covered coffee beans.

I've always liked Rabbits but prefer them at dinner time battered and deep fried. I guess he was just trying to get even.

I checked out the Ranger's cabin before starting back down the mountain.

I had one more stop before starting for the car, I wanted to see the shelter just off the spring trail that I had passed on my way up.

Just a quick check in with the SPOT unit and I was on my way back down to the parking lot.

I liked my hike to Balsam Lake Mountain, the Tower was wonderful and I sure had a great day for it. Next time I'm bringing the kids.

Safe Travels

RJ

WALKING THE DOGS

These boots are made for walking........and more I own a few pairs of "outdoor" footwear. I'm sure most of us have our work shoes and our Comfortable casual kicks but when it comes to travel in the bush, we need to make some educated choices.

If we consider what our wilderness foot gear really should provide, we can list types and styles in order of perceived need. It should ALWAYS start with Comfort, Performance and Protection that's what all wilderness footwear should provide and have in common regardless of type.

For trail walking a simple pair of Approach Shoes are all that is necessary. These are like athletic shoes (sneakers) on steroids. Comfy and cushy but with an aggressive tread. Although these are light weight and give good flex and fit, they suffer from lack of support.

That takes us to the next level up. The Light Hiker, is a bit more like a true boot. With a cushioned collar and stiffer foot bed, these provide protection from shock due to repetitive heavy foot falls. They also (if designed correctly) stabilize the ankle against hyper lateral movement a.k.a. side sprains. The toe box is generally a bit wider to accommodate the inevitable swelling that occurs as you walk. It also allows for socks more suited to the outdoor activities you will be performing. The heel section is stiff, thick and cradles the foot. The latest designs are made with a mix of synthetic and traditional materials. Leather is strong and durable but heavy and needs careful care to stay supple and strong not to mention weather resistant. Textiles like Nylon (Cordura) and mesh like ballistic cloth are nearly indestructible and lite weight but give little support or stiffness. Combinations of these for the boot upper as well as the materials for the sole are common. EVA foam makes up the majority of bottoms on Light Hikers, a tough closed cell material that can be formed easily and cheaply. Over that a harder more ware resistant lug is attached. Most are glued instead of stitched (better boots are glued then stitched) but some very good glued boots are out there and for the price, they will give you adequate service life.

For the real rocky terrain or for times when you are traveling under very heavy loads you must have a full sized Hiker/Trekking boot. These things are the real deal Neal! Full vertical isolation of movement as well as strong lateral protection. Magnum soles and toe/heal boxes that are practically armoured. Lacing's should be of the strongest material so the boot can be cinched tightly. Full lug soles such as Vibram are a must as is a reinforced inner shank of steel or rigid plastic. These boots are heavy, even with today's modern materials and production methods they remain the heaviest boots you are ever likely to own. Climbing to the next level up, the Expedition or Double boot is a very technical piece of foot furniture. These boots are designed to be ultra stiff so as to accommodate "tools" such as skis, snow shoes and crampons. The rigidness of the foot bed gives the climber a platform to stand up on without experiencing the flex that would cause muscle fatigue or reduce the tools efficiency. Like a pack frame, the stiffness much like an exoskeleton, becomes an asset while moving. These also tend to be more heavily insulated for use in the more extreme environments. I wore a pair of these during a winter attempt of Mount Washington in the eighties, they were a mixed blessing. One really must get used to the inflexible sole before you spend much time in them. Shin pain is a common complaint of those who use these boots on anything much less then vertical.

The Woodsman's or Hunters boot is so common and practical that most backwoods travelers will find them better then adequate. Most are leather and full lugged with support that goes above the ankle. A simple yet rugged design that has caused them to be used for everything from dragging White Tails to walking I beams. These are the common mans wilderness shoe.

Not to take anything away from the strong utilitarian value of this type of boot, on the contrary. These boots are almost perfect for the average wilderness walker. Where they lack features is in their simplicity. Few are as comfortable as true hikers and they don't have the level of adjustments the purpose built hiking boots does. They can be hot in warm weather and cold in winter. I have a pair of Danner boots I use for deer hunting. These boots are top of the line stalking -rugged terrain - climb up sharp scree - march into hell to kill the Devil foot wear. The soles have no "bald" spots, being lugged their entire length. A Vibram feature called Kletterlift that has even been used by the military under the name "Fort Lewis boots". I dig em to the extreme. With integral Gortex booties and Thinsolite insulation, these things are serious toe hotels. They make the most of high tech materials and time tested high quality leather. The soles are a combination of leather and hard waring rubber that is stitched to the boot for years of long reliable life. Pity I wont be here to see how my grand kids like em when they inherit them.

Probably my best all around choice for Wilderness Travel/Survival.

Last on my list of wilderness foot wear is the legendary Pack Boot. Heavily insulated winter boots such as those made popular by Sorel, LL Bean and others. These are the standard for those who are active in very cold yet less vertical terrain. These boots utilize a thick outer leather upper and a heavy "soft" lugged water proof rubber bottom over a removable inner bootie usually of wool batting or lofty synthetic equivalent. Some of these may even have an exaggerated "peak" on the toe and heel to affix snow shoes or ice creepers. They are exceedingly popular with ice fishers and snow mobilers. Truly built for extreme cold but NOT for hiking. They are heavy as hell and the area where the rubber bottom meets the leather top flexes too much to give adequate support. Still if you are standing around the hole waiting for a pickerel or sitting in a tree stand waiting for old mossy horns, these just might be the boots for you. I own a pair of Rocky Pack Boots that are very warm and cozy rated for forty below zero. My feet have never been cold while waring them.

Choose wisely and try on everything you are considering (with the appropriate socks of course) and keep in mind the intended use for the boot you pick, you might just end up needing more then one type of boot.

Of course these boots are available in woman's and Child sizes so everyone can get the right boot for the adventure you've planned.

The common mistake when buying wilderness foot wear is thinking you can press one type of boot into service as another. This leads to sprains, fumbles and fatigue and a miserable time. You owe it to yourself to think through the process and make educated choices.

Take care of those Dogs and they'll take care of you.

Safe travels

RJ