Springer's Journey

Saw a sign yesterday when I took a short hike:

“Don’t forget, you’re in bear country.”

Oh.

Thank you so much for that.

I had a brief moment of standing there, just staring at it like—

I’m in a tent… for Pete’s sake.

And yes, I know.

That’s why I’m careful.

Garbage handled.

Food stays in the car.

No smells, no surprises.

Because out here, you don’t get to pretend you’re alone.

You’re part of something bigger—and it deserves respect.

But then there’s this thought that slips in anyway…

Those cubs?

They drag their mom everywhere.

ARE YOU SERIOUS??!! 😂

So here I am—doing everything right, paying attention, listening to the forest…

and also fully aware that somewhere out there might be a small, curious committee making decisions I am not involved in.

This will be interesting.

—L