Leave No Trace

grizzly bear walking beside pond
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

My Adventures in the Boundary Water include meeting a bear and her cub. This took place in August 2017.

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The author and friends canoe in the Boundary Waters of Canada.

Before you venture into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area between MN and Canada you must watch a video explaining “Leave No Trace.”

And if you are fortunate to have experienced friends, they will insist you carry that to the nth degree and swallow your toothpaste or drink the rinse water from your dishes.

You may roll your eyes, but you comply.

No photo description available.
This photo is of a Park Service poster warning of the presence of bears. Photo by author.

Despite your best, meticulous efforts, your gaggle of gals are quite surprised when a hungry Mama Bear appears at your campfire just as you are about to put a marshmallow on a stick. Banging pots, which was recommended in the film by DNR, barely bothers Mama (and her cub.) So your gang decides they would rather spend the night in a cabin, despite the 2 lakes and portage that will require in the dark.It proves to be the highlight of the trip.

On the second lake, your tribe spends good time counting shooting stars and watching the Northern lights.The next morning you return to clean up any traces you never meant to leave, and discover lots of bear damage, including a Nalgene bit through by Mama Bear.

Swag.

Your favorite LNT friend has never smiled so BIG.

May be an image of 1 person and smiling

By Catstrav

Reindeer handler. NDT tech. Mother of four. Aspiring astronaut.

1 comment

  1. Wow, good thing you stayed in the cabin! I’m guessing the Nalgene had water, so isn’t that interesting that they bear went for it? Gotta respect creation. God has put powerful instincts and intricacies into our beautiful world. Terrific adventure!

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