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.