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Monday, October 3, 2011

Black Bear


Glacier National Park
Montana
September 2011

The past forty years of travel, began after I was married camping with my family.
I did some world travels back in the 1990's when the kids were out of the house and in college.

As a child I never did anything much outside other than visiting people, or picnics in the park, one time on train to Iowa!
 We never traveled too far, mountains and beaches were not an option either.
It was because of my mother.
I never saw snow fall until I was twenty four.
First time on an airplane I was twenty one.
She was very fearful, motion, heights, cliffs, and sure the car would go over the edge!
Then too back in that day there was no extra money to have a lot of luxuries, so we did simple things. 
I never felt deprived.
She was born in Iowa, worked all her life, didn't like being cold, moved to California at age 20.
I grew up in Southern California where the skies were grey.
I don't hold grudges against my mother who passed away in 2004.
Moms and Dads do the best they can.

Due to my husbands adventurous blood, I began to see nature.
We took our two children with us everywhere.
I remember the first time I saw a raccoon in Yosemite.
Our kids grown adults now with family have not lost their appreciation for wilderness.

All of those years I wanted to see a real bear.
On this trip it finally happened.
Black Bear
Adult
About 300 pounds
Loaded already with my 300mm lens on my Nikon.
Light not the best.
However the memory will always be in my head.
I had respect, gave him space, but no real fear...

Just walk on by buddy boy, you made my day.

18 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

that's a BEAUTIFUL shot! i'd be thrilled with it!!!

Jill said...

Wow Janie! I'm glad you got your shot. I think it's great. Love your new pictures of you too!

Becky said...

Wonderful story, Jane! We hoped to spot one, but only got a glimpse of a black back hustling off into the bushes.

Ellie said...

How exciting for you, what a great picture. One for you to treasure. :)

Misty said...

What an incredible find!!!

MadSnapper said...

I would be beside myself if i saw a bear, never have. he is beautiful, glad you had a loooong lens. great shot. we never went on vacations, but we did travel from Ga to Ky and back and forth, and from Savannah here to Florida to see my grandmother. but no vacations at all, we had no money, it was all daddy could do to feed us. i did not miss what i did not have.

Chatty Crone said...

That is amazing and the way you wrote about pictures - you're amazing too. sandie

Unknown said...

I love this shot! Gavin is scared to look at it!

Here I Am Carrie said...

Wow Girl you did pretty good on this one. He looks amazing. Makes my little guy I had in the yard very small. I know you had a long lense, I never would have wanted to get close to him. Love your new portrait of yourself as well. I keep looking and your eyes looking at me. Very cute...
So glad you met an adventurous mate to show you all the wonders of nature. It truely is a part of you now.

Leontien said...

Whooo that is a REAL bear!

I'm glad you seen so much and it is good to have an adventures husband!

Leontien

Tammy said...

He is beautiful! I'd say you are pretty adventurous :)

Dianne ... Walking In His Grace said...

Janie, I am so happy for you. What a wonderful trip this has been for you with your adventurous husband. And, "Wow" What a great shot of this big beautiful bear. Makes me smile as I envision you taking aim and capturing him with your 300mm lens. What a thrill it must have been. I enjoyed your updates of your trip. Thank you for taken us along with you through all you have shared.
Dianne :)

Lisa said...

I love that Bear. What a stunner. I never did get out camping this year . The first in many. Your flower is outstanding also.
Have a wonderful night.

Janie said...

Thank you everyone for such lovely comments. I was so excited to share my Black Bear experience with you. I visited all of you today, and enjoy all the creative photos, the eyes that see the real things in life.

jane

Esther Montgomery said...

How exciting!

As a sadly untravelled person, I'm looking forward to the day when I too will be able to see the world!

Carol............. said...

Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself in your post. The bear looks so clean! Love the pictures especially the first shot.

Ms. Becky said...

whoa, I almost missed this post. how awesome it must have been to see this beautiful creature, and watch. your shots are amazing. I would have been a bit fearful I think but torn between running and snapping. what a memory you made here Janie!

Breathtaking said...

Lucky you, what a fantastic encounter,and a great shot.