Part of visiting parks and National Parks in particular is the opportunity to see wildlife. Now as I am frequently hiking alone, some wildlife I prefer not to see on the trails (from the turnout or the window of the vehicle are just fine!).
In particular, both in Rocky Mountains and in Grand Tetons the NPS makes sure that you know there are bears out there and how to act should you meet up with one.
As I do plan on violating one of their “bear attack avoidance” advice (hiking alone), thought I would give myself a little “insurance”. So now I am an official bear repellant carrier! On a positive note this is much more concentrated than pepper spray so is also a great thing to have on hand in the motorhome for personal protection.
Funny how people behave in unfamiliar situations and environments. I passed a couple on the trail the other day, the man was singing very loudly off-key and the woman had attached to her daypack two very loud and annoying bells. They certainly took to heart the “make noise” advice. Let’s just say that I much prefer the sounds of nature when I hike!
So with all the preparation I have yet to see a bear on this trip. I have to say that the one downfall that I have discovered with the iPhone is that it doesn’t take very good wildlife photos (especially from a distance).
A herd of Bison in the distance
Have seen several yellow-bellied marmots
a chickaree
and of course a golden-mantled ground squirrel
Be safe on the trails.