I knew Saturday was too good to be true....that meaning no laughable or dangerous incidents on our 4-wheel ride from the cabin to Helena. Sunday was a different story.
Randy and I were on the same trail at about 8500' elevation and came up to a burned over area that had new growth pine and fir trees and lots of small bushes. I was in the lead; Randy about 100 yards behind me. I came around a sharp turn and time absolutely stood still for what seemed eternity, but was probably 1 second for recognition to take place. GRIZZLY......not more than 25 feet in front of me. He was coming down the hill and crossing the trail.
You never saw anyone turn in a 4-wheel seat and grab my pistol as fast as I did. The Lone Ranger would be proud of my quick draw skills. The bear was really not interested in me.......he had spotted me........but I fired off a shot into the hillside and he took off downhill.
Randy comes up then and just catches a glimpse of the rear end of the bear. We went forward and where the bear crossed the trail was a nice footprint.
Randy: "glad you were in the lead and not me."
Bob: "why's that?"
Randy: " I got clean underwear on and don't want to wash clothes until Monday."
We get to Randy's house in Helena and call the Fish and Game office to report the sighting. You're supposed to do this for Griz sightings in populated and recreation areas. What followed was funny.
F&G: (girl on the line) "May I help you?"
Bob: "I'd like to report a Grizzly sighting."
F&G: Where was this supposed sighting?"
Bob: :On the Divide trail just south of Granite Butte lookout, just inside the Great Divide Wilderness area. We've got the GPS location if you'd like it."
F&G: There aren't any grizzlies up there. Are you sure it wasn't a black bear?"
Bob: I know the difference between the two and I was only 25 feet from him. It WAS a grizzly!"
F&G:" Was the grizzly wearing a collar?"
Bob: What??? How do I know? You want me to go back up and find him and ask if he's wearing a collar? And if he is, would you like the color and ID numbers also? Maybe his pants size so he doesn't have to run around with his bare butt flashing everyone?"
F&G:" Boy sir, you sure are being funny for someone who just came that close to a Grizzly."
Bob: Yeh, but you should see my buddy. Gonna take him a week clean his underwear."
F&G: OK sir, we'll report the sighting and have the rangers post signs at the trailheads.
Bob: (thinking to himself) "Right....and the grizzly is going to read the sign and stay away from the trails. Those signs will go up when Peru becomes the 51st state."
Anyone for a Weenie Roast?