Several weeks ago it was reported through the neighborly grape vine that a female grizzly and twin cubs were in the area. I started avoiding the 40 acres of state land that is part of our walking loop – it is brushy without any real paths, contoured enough that it is hard to see over and around … it just seemed prudent to avoid that area for a bit. It is/was unlikely that she would stick around – there is no food source and too much (relatively) people activity to be comfortable. At any rate, it has been weeks and no more sightings and more importantly no scat to be found…and believe me, Karl would find it if it was there. Bear scat is his most favorite doggie cologne – it is incredibly rank…

The “maps” above show the lay of the land here. On the plat – the yellow block is my 8 acres. The loop to the “right” (east) goes across subdivision land that is 5-10 acre parcels. There is only one house and no sign of any other activity – I hope for some time. The home that is there is only occupied occasionally. The homeowners also own several of the other parcels and ok’d my walking there when they are not in residence. That is the part of the walk with the spectacular mountain views and meadows as the original developer went a bit crazy with tree clearing.

The loop to the north (top of the map) is on the 40 acre state land. That parcel is landlocked and so only adjacent owners and people granted access by owners are out there. I have seen another person(s) twice in nearly two years and never any tracks but my own in the winter. The state selectively logged this land several years ago – nicely, leaving good, healthy trees. The land has retained its natural look. The selective cut made the area more fire-safe as well as healthier.

Karl and I are back to walking the full loop. The “neighbors” have gone to their full time home, the bears to their summer home.

…somebody lives there, but we did not stop to visit or inquire…

…somebody slept there – actually several somebodies as there was a group of spots…probably the deer as some very small spots and there are a number of does with fawns around.

It is nice to be back in the woods.