Back up on top of the hill, I stood there watching these three bears. Now a smart person would have retreated and taken the long way. Is that what I did? No! By then adrenaline was coursing through me and I was coming up with an idea. The bears were slowly moving away from the trail and I waited until they seemed to be far enough away. Then I came to the conclusion that it wouldn't be TOO hard to make it to the highway withought catching the notice of the bears.
I started heading down, not rushing, not slowing; trying to stay as unnoticable as possible. Finally I reached the point where the bears were on my right and the hill leading to the highway was on my left. Taking one more glance around, I spotted the bears. At that moment, my brilliant idea of waiting for them to move seemed idiotic. They seemed so much closer at the bottom of the hill! It was then the mama bear lifted her head. We locked eyes. The cubs were still frolicking about her legs, but the mama was stock still, staring at me. What did I do? The only thing I could. I averted my eyes, turned around, and walked up the hill to the highway. I guess I didn't look that appetizing or it wasn't my time to head back to heaven, because I managed to make it to safety.
Figures that the first time I see a bear in the wild had to be from the unsafe distance of a few feet! I don't think I'll be taking that shortcut again without a large group of people to hide in. :P
