We're Tail-Lights! Probably.

*** continued from previous post ***

It's amazing how quickly we can recover from a moment of terror. Now that the motorcycle was aimed in a direction that offered escape I relaxed a bit. Not a lot, but enough so that I was breathing again. I glanced over my shoulder at the bear that was looking a little less angry and a little more confused as to what exactly was her part in this spectacle. First she looked like she was going to go back up the hill, and into the forest, then changed her mind and decided to continue down the slope towards the cars and ourselves.

"Let's GO!" Mom said, with no small amount of emergency in her voice.

"Just a minute. We can rocket off if we need to, let's just watch her for a bit. Get the camera. Take a picture. The kids are never going to believe us without factual documentation."

"Are you serious?"

"Babe, when will we get the chance to see a grizzly this close again?"

"That's what Zoos are for," Mom said through clenched teeth.

"Not the same," I reminded her.

"Good enough for me."

"Just one little picture to show the kids, then I promise we're tail-lights."

"Fine. But if I die I'm never going to let you forget it."

"Fair enough." I said.

During out little repartee' the bear, having reached a decision, was now making a beeline for the cars behind us. I increased the throttle, and eased out on the clutch until it barely grabbed, ready to take off down the road in a split-second if needed. True, the gravel was still soft and messy, but I was pretty sure given the circumstances I could set a world speed record no matter the surface.

Mom and I watched as the bear, having finished her descent ambled behind the cars, and when I say 'behind' the cars I mean she could have touched their "Will Hike For Food" bumper sticker with her nose.

Now that the bear was closer I saw just how big she was. She made the Subaru Outback she walked behind, look like a go cart made from lawnmower parts and tinker toys.

Mom had managed to get the camera out of her pocket and I heard her snap a quick picture for posterity. Well, posterity and bragging rights. I was about to take our leave. . .

Then it happened. The most astonishing display of human behavior I have ever witnessed played out before our unbelieving eyes.

Buy The Book At Amazon! $19.95
Kindle Version $ 4.99
Nook $4.99

*** the journey continues ***