This was an eventful one! I woke up on the porch of the cabin and could have stayed there a while! It was a warm quiet night. But I had some distance to cover!
After a good coffee, packing and locking up the cabin I was on my way. The trail (a deactivated road from way back) was better down from the cabin, due to more use. But lots of mud and water puddles on the trail meant some slowing down and climbing around them.
When I had done just that yet again, I saw the broad back end of a bear in front of me on the trail! Even though I talk to myself out loud the whole time in bear country, I guess he hadn’t heard me! I stopped, he turned, I backed up a bit, he walked two steps towards me looking at me, then I decided to retreat back around the corner and give him space (he was maybe 10m from me). I made noise from there and peaked back 2-3 min later and didn’t see him anymore. It was a brushy section with high bushes on each side so I guess he fled down the hill.
Sadly no bear pics, he declined 🤣 And yes it was a grizzly. My first one, while I see black bears routinely around home. He did smell a bit!
From there to where I met the road, about 12km, I yelled out loud every 7 steps! Lots of bear poop piles, fresh ones, on the trail the whole time too. I was very glad to get down the trail without further encounters.
Just past the park boundary I arrived at Skelly Creek FSR and made my way to the Goat River FSR junction. I was supposed to meet my friend Kevin somewhere along the way so I Garmin-texted him that I had arrived and was walking down. I took a much needed break, walked some, rested some, walked some.
A few cars went by and people looked at me curiously but I didn’t get to chat until Dale from Canyon came up on his new e fat bike! I heard all about the purchase and other topics: He makes honey. Guns should always be loaded (at home, he didn’t carry one). Am I inoculated? He’s a mechanic. Offered to cook me pork chops at the rec site down the road. Gave me his number in case I needed help in Creston. Thanks Dale!
At least one of the cars that saw me as well as Dale got to talk to my friends as they drove up Goat River road. And it wasn’t just one friend from home but three! What a treat! Kevin had recruited Dina and Daryl for a trip to Creston to pick me up. I do very much appreciate all you do for me 😍
By then I had walked 25km and was ready for the ride into town. We stopped at Kitchener hall, then had food in Creston. Swiftly a place to stay was arranged (Kevin’s friends) which changed from camping in the yard, to staying in their trailer to enjoying their basement suite! Thanks for arranging this Kevin, and thanks to Lori & Rob for their incredible hospitality!
I went through the food items I had left at home and got organized. Sadly (after Dina made sure I was left with chocolate!!) it was time to say goodbye to my Kimberley friends. No more familiar faces from now on! Thank you for coming!
In my cushy basement I enjoyed a shower, laundry and more food. I am clean and ready to hit the PNT section now! No more solitary wilderness travel 🤣
Total hiked today 25km. Not sure of the driving distance to Creston!
Grizzly can turn the excitement up a bit. Great photos.
Thank you. Definitely exciting!!
Well done navigating and hiking the great Canadian mountains to Kitchener! First time grizzly siting must have been exciting! Glad you are safe!
Good luck hiking the PNT!
That was a lonely stretch so I’m glad it’s done. Lucky to have seen a grizzly this close but also lots of respect. Should get better now 😁 Thanks for the support 😍
Great adventure –So far –So good !!
Yes so far all worked out! Thanks!!