Spoiler alert - there are bear photos in this report!

Funny how Friday we saw lots of fairly fresh bear scat on the trails and didn't see one bear. Today there was no bear scat or other evidence of bears on the trail and what do we find? A great big griz.

The start of this trail is posted with a bear warning and the rule to travel in tight groups of 4 or more. After about half an hour in the forest the trail breaks out in a narrow valley flanked by many avalanche slopes. Lots of berries were seen (and maybe a few sampled) - elderberry, blueberry, raspberry.

By the time we arrived at the meadow at the bottom of the pass we had split into two groups. I think both saw the bear about the same time. As she was close to the trail and even on the trail at times es we elected to gather as a group and observe. A cool breeze was blowing and it was now lunch time so we found a somewhat sheltered spot to have lunch and watch the bear.

She hadn't moved out of the area when we finished lunch so we decided not to attempt the pass and to give the bear space. According to the Parks Canada lady it was an 18 year old female who has been known to charge so we were comfortable with our decision and thrilled to be able to observe like we did.

We've had two great days of hiking; good weather, a smoke haze Friday and clear today.

On the way down we took more time to observe flowers and saw a great display of Queens Cup as well as Solomon Seal, both with berries.

Thanks to a great group! Brenda coordinator and scribe. Thanks to Ron for photos and to Bill for the bear photos.

Participants: Ron, Bill, Barbara, Yolande, Brenda, Aldis, David, Inge, John, Chip, Jim and welcome to new member Marilyn.

Ramblers undertaking vegetation inspection

Waterfall along the Balu Pass trail

Balu Pass trail

Balu Pass - spot the bear that Bill sees

Female grizzly beside her digging

the bear: profile view

Lunch crowd with view of the bear

bear den?

View down Connaught Creek, Mt Macdonald in distance