Bears?

I decided to add a snipit from my bear experiences.

I was 14, hiking at Philmont Scout Ranch. My father was my tent partner on this trip. At our campsite at the base of Mt Baldy, I woke to a grunting noise outside our tent and peeked to see what it was. Opening the flap a little allowed his black fur to push into my side of the canvas. I quietly and calmly laid my head back down. Thoughts were not quickly forming in my head. Infact it was more like white noise. After a few minutes, though it seemed like hours, I woke my father. This startled the visitor and he lumbered off. Before my dad yelled “BEAR” to warn others in the campsite (a few minutes passed while trying to determine the proper action) another scout screamed as the bear had moved to where he was sleeping and had started licking his feet. All ended well with no harm but a great story, only to be topped by the bears visit back to our campsite the next night where he stayed and taunted us for two plus hours. I still have my backpack from this, complete with bent frame and torn side pocket.

Phil