A taste of…

the wild.

I have drunken deep of joy, and I will taste no other wine tonight.

Percy Bysshe Shelley

Bear in the Area was the sign that we saw posted everywhere upon our arrival at a primitive campground in Waterton National Park. You know you’re deep into bear country when there are steel food lockers at every camp site. I’ll admit it, not comfortable around bears, too unpredictable for me but the scenery was breath-taking so we pitched our camp for the night and listened to the stories swirl about bear sightings.

We’re early risers: traveling with dogs does tend to encourage that and the pups were eager to get going that morning.

Leashing them up we started out only to be brought up short by a large bear strolling along the river, pausing occasionally to take a look at us.

I quickly took some shots then was drawn to the behavior of one of my Staffords. He’s never been in the presence of bears before and watching him savor the taste of the wild was fascinating to me. Head thrown back, eyes squeezed shut, he drank it in, blowing out scent and carefully drawing it back in.

I got the shots of the bear but I’ll always treasure the ones that for me truly capture the experience.

The ones where my dog tasted true wild for the first time.

Note: Thank you Rich and Brenda for the assistance and the chats, it was a pleasure meeting you both and Steve, thanks for all that you do so that we can continue to enjoy the wilderness experiences.