Hank Hays wrote: > >She also talked about setting up a sort of perimeter defense with some kind > >of noise makers hanging from lines that would rattle if a bear banged into > >them at night. a) I don't know if I'd hear something like that, and b) > >don't know if I'd have time to focus and react. > > I wouldn't bother with that sort of perimeter defense. I'd consider it too > much work setting up for the little bit of chance that it might tip you off > (and agree with you that I probably wouldn't even hear it). > > Anyone that doesn't live through an encounter, please post to the list and > let us know where you went wrong. <grin> > Hank Hays _____________________________________________________________________ There is something to be said for a nice roaring fire that runs all night long. Did just that on the Pacific side of Vancouver Island (although the food was all hung high in the trees), the campsite was visited by a cougar and a bear that night but only as close as the distant perimeter of our camping area. Their respective foot prints told the morning story of their separate nocternal visits. The food bags were also visited by Ravens who managed to peck holes in the bags. I will not even allow toothpaste, toiletries or snack wrapers in my tent at night and cook well away from it. Body clothes are kept inside a plastic garbage bag to avoid increase in moisture absorption (I hate climbing into damp clothing) but also to reduce odors. Me paranoid about bears? You betcha! However, this is my truth. To many encounters for me with them over time and this last one was the best I ever had. My confidence is restored because of careful preparation. I actually get a solid sleeps at night but don't kid youself, I still have bear scare near by and a shotgun next to me. Philip *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Dec 15 1998 - 21:45:08 PST
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