New2view's Blog   Life on The Blue Marble

I had just landed my Mooney M20A airplane at the typical short gravel Nakusp B.C. airstrip, expecting my brother who lived just a short distance North at New Denver to great me. However he was delayed, leaving me alone next door to the local dump! Not only that but the dump was crawling with black bears! A side pathway seemed to by-pass them towards the main highway which I took. However as I walked towards it a very large black bear was ambling along about 300 feet ahead. He detected me and turned to look, at which time I began to have some real concerns. Not knowing what was the best course, and not wanting to overtake him, as he apparently was heading to join his peers at the dump site.

What to do? There were few options and I was carrying a small bag, fortunately with no food products. 

So simply marked time like a tin soldier, while not wanting to show fear or retreat. Fortunately the dump was likely more interesting than me. After separation became greater, I doubled back towards my plane. 

The road leading to Nakusp hot springs was between the airstrip and the dump. It was the destination of a young couple in a pickup truck. Very timely they came by and I flagged them down, graciously turned around and transported me the short distance to the main highway, where I connected with my tardy brother.