Montanas Pyramid Pass and the Adventure that was Bear-ly There!
As common courtesy on Montana trails, folks warn others when there is a bear around, especially heading into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Donny and I had just topped one of the major switchbacks on the trail to Pyramid Pass, and were heading deeper into the backcountry when we received a much appreciated trail update from some outfitters heading out. They mentioned a bear along the trail on up, suggesting we keep our eyes open – but no major problem.
No major problem! The outfitters make their living traveling these trails, equipped with rifle, and atop a set of horses. They passed that casual assessment to a couple of guys on foot, totally unarmed and completely unfamiliar with the ways of bearishness, warily working our way into territory widely known for its bonafide grizzly bear population. We laughed nervously, speculating about no major problem paired with bear along the trail.
Donnys initial response, given that he grew up in Milwaukee, WI, – terminate the trek into the Bob. It was time to hastily make our way down the switchbacks to the vehicles and out of harms...