RE: [Paddlewise] Bears (again!)

> -----Original Message-----
> From: MSN/RiDem [mailto:RiDem_at_email.msn.com]
snip

> Pepper spray ( which my wife now carries, 
> because of her
> aversion to shooting bears) is of limited utility in 20 mph 
> winds. Often I
> realize that for the 7lb weight  of a rifle I could carry 
> 2-350 ml bottles
> of 20 year old single malt Scotch. Far more useful in actuality.

  In a recent back-channel email to Robert Cline regarding the bear
situation in SE Alaska I wrote concerning pepper spray:

 "I carry a capsicum pepper spray at all times (except winter) when hiking
or paddling.  It stays in my "possibles" bag that is _always_ on my body -
first aid kit, emergency gear etc.  Pepper spray is widely available in SE
Alaska.  It's always good to test fire your pepper spray - when you find
that what you have shoots a concentrated stream about 15 feet you'll get a
good idea of just how much of a "last defense" it really is.  I've often
thought it might be best to let the damn bear grab me first so that I could
make sure of getting it in the eyes!"

  That last sentence is a joke, but only barely. 

Dave Seng
Juneau, Alaska
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************