August 10, 2008

Day 3 

We hit the trail at 9am with partly cloudy skies, warm sun, and a cool, brisk breeze.

About a mile into our hike the group in front of us pointed to a large bull moose on the hillside. Not more than 10 yds off the path the moose was nibbling leaves seemingly tolerant of the humans staring, whispering, and pointing. He was impressive with his velvet covered rack of antlers.

Just ahead a ranger was observing the moose with a group of hikers. Two agitated and panicked women arrived announcing they had just seen two grizzlies and claimed the bears followed them on the trail. The ranger calmly took information. The women continued their quest to leave the trail for the day.

Not far ahead the ranger spotted the bears. She directed us to get off the path and up onto the hillside since the bears were using the path. Meanwhile, two hikers informed her the bears abruptly left the trail and were heading up the hillside just behind us. I shot a bit of video as the bears passed through the trees about 20 yds behind us. Jodi took the photo I've posted in this blog.

Just ahead I spotted two grizzly tracks in the soft mud on the trail.

We continued on ahead of the ranger and her group. We overheard news of another sighting of two grizzlies, apparently two different grizzlies, based on descriptions. We did a regular 'hey bear' to alert the bears. Jodi sang silly songs.

Majestic scenery and abundant wildflowers were the highlight for the rest of our trek to Iceberg Lake. We had lunch at the lake. Blustery and quite chilly, the wind raced through the cirque.

Two grizzlies were observed high on a hillside as we made our way back to the trailhead. The mother was dark with the classic hump at her shoulders. Her subadult youngster was very blond and nearly her size.

Total miles - 9