BEARS IN IDAHO!!

In Sandpoint, Idaho, after a day of working at Starbucks and then the library, I parked again up at the RV Parking at the Fire Station near Schweitzer Ski Resort. I had a RV and a camper for neighbors but they were spread out about 100 feet apart from each other. The bathroom was about 50 feet away from my parking spot.

I make a point once the sun goes down, I don't get out of the van. Around dusk I made a pit stop to the bathroom, returned and began reading my book.

Suddenly I heard what sounded like someone trying to open the passenger door! WTH? I felt angry and defensive right away...UNTIL I SAW BEARS! One big black bear with a smaller black bear and another smaller bear that looked blonde or light brown! I wish I would have had time to get a better look, but I was afraid if I hesitated they'd do damage. They left paw prints all over the side of my van and passenger window. Photos taken the next morning after I surveyed the landscape making sure no bears were lingering:

I can tell from the paw prints, they know to go for the handles! I dove for the van's horn so, unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to get my camera. They backed off right away and headed over the embankment I was parked next to never to be seen again. All night I kept looking! I also notice the parking lot had flood lights glaring across the space all night. I don't remember that the first time I camped here. Also, right after I honked and the bears left, a white car drove right up next to my van and stopped at the edge of the ravine. They might have seen them, too. Trust me when I say, it was all I could do not to jump out of my van and chase them!!

This might be a cautionary tale. I know bear rules. Don't cook outside. Don't cook anything smelly inside. Keep food in sealed containers (coolers and refrigerators). Don't use smelly, fruity lotions, hair products, toothpaste, gum (!), etc. Keep doors locked. Don't leave food or garbage outside. Dump any dishwashing water away from your camping site. I pretty much follow the rules and some of these rules are standard considering chemical sensitivity demands fragrance-freeness.

About a week ago I toyed with the idea I should leave some food out to ATTRACT a bear. I was getting frustrated not seeing one when everyone has told me they've seen several in many locations (Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons...). I mean with all the bear warnings, I was feeling I might be some kind of bear repellant. So I started getting lazy, maybe subconsciously, on purpose. Before the bears arrived, I had cooked SALMON outside! Stupid, I know. I also dumped my salmon-tainted dishwater only ten feet from my van. I'm sure it attracted them. Granted, if the horn hadn't scared them away, my next step would be to start Big Blue, rev the engine, and leave if I need to. I need to be better!

Whoo hoo! This might be the highlight of my trip. Brad Pitt will have to be second.