284 and Last Adventures

Time is running out for the bears.  As summer winds down and we humans disappear from Brooks Camp they have just a few weeks before they head off for their six months of slumber.  It is my last day at Brooks camp and I am dreading saying goodbye. But who should appear before my misty eyes?  It is my favorite bear, 284!  She has become my favorite bear.  She is a female subadult, 2 1/2 years old and full of attitude and playfulness. 

I was walking through camp when I see her chase another bear down to the beach.  I look at her and she looks at me.  If camp were open she would have to be chased out but since I was the only person in camp we just kept looking at each other.  Her eyes had that look of defiance that I had come to know and love.  I could tell she wanted to go down to the beach to fish but as she stared at the shoreline, we both noticed that there were two bears all ready on the beach in that area.    She took a look at me and I said well I wouldn't go down there now either.  So she layed down right there on the trail with her eyes on the beach.  I heard a plane landing on the beach and knew that in a few minutes a group of fishermen would be coming up onto the trail and I did not want them surprised by 284 so I stood where I was and watched.  I told her I was just going to keep her company.  Sure enough a couple of minutes later two anglers walked up and I yelled at them to go around 284.  I smiled at her and she looked at me.  Not sure what she was thinking.  Knowing 284 it was either thank you or I can take care of myself.  Who knows.  I decided to wait until she moved down to the beach.

Just as I made that decision I saw movement farther down the trail.  Around the corner came Lurch.  I looked at 284 and sighed.  Look girl I said, I am not in the mood to deal with Lurch I am going to the other side of camp want to join me?  She just looked at me and kind of huffed.  Guess I insulted her.  I told her to have a great winter and moved well out of Lurchs way.  I don't know what 284 did but I am sure she waited until the last minute to leave.  She doesn't show that much fear around the bigger bears.  Later on my way back to the cabin I saw her fishing in the river so she made it just fine.  I hope she makes it just fine all winter because Brooks camp wouldn't be the same without her.