Bear Alert

July 18, 2017

My Sister and I drove to the RV Park on the coast after stopping to get stocked up on food.  We arrived about 2:30 in the area but missed seeing the turn, so had to make a U turn.  We pulled into a closed store that had a in and out driveway to make the turn, about a half mile down the road from the road we were supposed to take.  As we turned, we heard a flap, flap, flap sound and we couldn't tell where it was coming from.  I stopped and it was still flapping and then, when I turned the engine off, and it stopped.  I looked under the hood, didn't know what I was looking for and didn't see anything out if order so I closed the hood and started it up again and it was purring like a kitten.  Ok, we decided to go on to the Park and deal with it later.

We arrived and had to check in at the Ranger station.  Guess who was there, my adopted Grandchildren, Jason and Heather! They were turning in some stuff at the Ranger station.  It was good to see them and they will be here awhile.  We found out where their site was, and we went to find ours.  There were 2 sites left, that had full hook-ups and the most sun, (my Sister loves the sun) and we backed into one (with no problems) and soon after, the other site was taken.  It was right next to the bathrooms and on a hill among big fir trees, (which is why the sun was so scarce). 

The weather was perfect, sunny and a gentle ocean breeze (we are 3 miles from the Pacific Ocean and the sand dunes.  It was nice for sitting outside, so we decided to set up the outdoor stuff first.  There was a picnic table nearby, that we drug over, to put on our mat, which we put down to cover the dirt.  We then set up two chairs and a table and we were all set!  The awning would have defeated the purpose of getting a sunny spot , so we didn't put it out.  My Sister sat in the directors and read and I hooked up the water, electricity and sewer.  That went pretty smoothly except my 20 foot sewer hose was too long so I had to wind it around a bit to get it to work.  The water was leaking because I couldn't get it tight enough, but with effort, that seemed to be OK.  After dinner outside on our newly created patio, my Sister walked me down to check out the pool.  She used her big wheeled walker and was able to navigate the hills real well. 

We found a beautiful, inviting, heated pool with two hot tubs, which we will take advantage of today.  Oh, I forgot to tell you.  As soon as we arrived, we started to read the literature they gave us at the Ranger Station.  There was a two page warning about bears.  WHAT?!!  Oh, well, we now know what to do if we see one.

BEAR ALERT

          Avoid surprising bears at close range, whistle, talk, sing, or otherwise make noise when hiking in areas where visibility is limited or bear sign is present.

          Be alert to signs (bear droppings, diggings, fresh tracks, etc.) sounds or other indicators of bears. 

          Food and beverage should never be left unattended.

          Keep back packs and personal gear on your person.  IT IS EASY TO BECOME SEPARATED FROM BELONGINGS LEFT LYING ON THE GROUND.WHEN A BEAR UNEXPECTADLY APROACHES.(No kidding!)

          DO NOT APPROACH BEARS. (Duh...)

The minimum safe distance from any bear, is 50 yards, from a sow and her young it is 100 yards.  These are the MINIMUM distances, there are many times that a greater distance is required. (What!)

          Regardless of the precautions taken, you may come across a bear.  Usually, they will run away. (Usually?) A bear standing on his hind legs may only be trying to sense you better. (What?) not preparing to attack. (Whew!)  Even a charge is often only a bluff, ending abruptly short of physical contact. (WOAH, WHAT?)

          If you see a bear at a distance, turn around or make a wide detour.

Keep upwind if possible so the bear will get your scent and will be aware of your presents.(Are you kidding?!) Remember to talk in assured tone to communicate your presence.(What? assured of what?).  Treat the bear as if the cubs are near by, and always assume the bear will be on the defensive side.  Do not approach closer in order to scare the bear. (NO KIDDING!!) Doing this, will show you being a threat toward the bear.

          Avoid actions that interfere with the bear movement or foraging activities.

          Be satisfied with a distant photograph, or use a telephoto lens if you decide to take a picture of a bear.

          Do not corner the animal, allow them plenty of space, and an escape route.

OK, there you have the rules.  Oh, and there was a disclaimer, that they would not be responsible if any Member or guest gets injured if approached by a bear.(very comforting).

My Sister and I had a good talk and then we walked to the pool and enjoyed the hot tub too.  We met some people who had been in the same parks where I had been in the Winter, but I hadn't met them before.  We came back to the RV and had dinner outside again, it is strange to be sunning ourselves here.  Most of the time it is foggy and cold here on the Coast.  The weather is beautiful!

After dinner, Jason and Heather came by on their way to the pool and fixed my water.   It needed a washer, and it was fixed.  Jason also helped to lift the bed in the back so I could get to the storage.  The hydraulic hinge broke loose, and the bed is very heavy.

My Sister's friend, Carol Summers, from High School is coming over tomorrow.  She lives near by, and we will have a sleep over, after she takes us to some Art Galleries and fun stuff tomorrow.   She is a wonderful accomplished artist and has her works in many of the local Art Galleries.  I love her work.

To be continued... I am having too much fun to talk about it.  Will blog later.

We did get back safe and Sunday I am off to Bend, Ore. to see my Nephew who got married in Janurary.  Will fill you in later.