I saw my very first bear on the trail after twenty-one years of walking. I have had many near misses, encountering folks only seconds after a sighting, but this was the real deal.
Just the other week, my dad sent a picture of a big, black bear sitting on his back deck, the bear’s behind facing his window, the bear’s face looking out over the yard, surveying the landscape.
Upon hearing the news, I announced with no fear to this “happening”: I want to see a bear on the trail! Not too close that I would be scared, and far enough to appreciate it.
That’s exactly what happened, almost.
I heard a loud crunch of the leaves one evening, louder than normal, and when I looked up ahead and over my right shoulder, I spotted a dark mass. Solid. Dense. Is what I told my friends.
Some primal instinct kicked in and I wanted to run. But then I remembered that a sprinting human can be mistaken for, well, with my long legs, a giraffe. And I did not want to resemble any animal that might be delectable. I hear bears don’t eat much meat, so if we were talking realistically, probably not happening. But, as they say, its the idea that counts! And I got ideas, man, let me tell ya…”lions and tigers and bears,” oh my!
Besides, I had on my brightly colored tropical shirt, and I also looked like a patch of berries. I hear bears love berries. So I had two things going for me to be considered a good meal, or so my fear said.
I saluted the bear at least in mind, to show respect, and slowly turned around, my wobbly legs leading the way. With my back to the bear, I wondered…was he slowly stealthily, gaining on me? (Why do I assume it’s a he?)
I reminded myself to hold steady, lest it sniff out my fear. And then I remembered, they too are afraid and not really seeking a human encounter. After all, they were here first. It’s their forest, not mine.
I looked around and there were no other people in my sight. Good time to be alone on a mountaintop! And really, it was. I had asked for bear to make an appearance and he, or she, did. Bear gave me enough warning too, so that I would not get close, scream and cause a ruckus.
Bear symbolizes strength and healing in the animal kingdom. I can always put those two things to good use. Thank you, kind bear, for gracing my path with your powerful presence.
How then shall I honor this fine meet-up going forward?!
~KB