Lions and Tigers and BEARS?

Yesterday, we officially topped any other adventurous misfortune from our past 6 months on the road.

We arrived at West Glacier Village early afternoon. Beside Mount Rushmore, Glacier National Park has been my most anticipated location.

Unfortunately, we discovered only 375 tickets per day are available for the famous Going to the Sun road. I decided we did not drive thousands of miles to be denied entrance! Upon arrival, I enquired with the front office RV staff, who informed us that we could enter prior to 6AM (highly unlikely) or after 5PM.

Success. So... after Daddy B finished work for the day, we packed all the necessities; cooler, towels, fishing supplies, snacks, sunscreen, and our bear spray.

Note: My father put the fear of God into my heart while explaining the recent bear mauling and deaths in Glacier. While walking around town, the kids and I overhead a hiker mention 6 bear sitings on his journey. Coupled with the rental bear spray receptacles on every corner, I decided the threat of a bear attack was indeed legit.

Before departing the trailer for what I was sure to be at least a 6 hour field trip, I watched various YouTube videos about how to properly use bear spray (a 32 foot stream that has 10 times the potency of pepper spray). Now, I'm not typically one to follow instructions, but I made an exception. The top tip was not to place your bear spray in your backpack, but in the outside pocket or on your belt loop to ensure quick access in an emergency.

All packed and ready to roll. Visual confirmation of two children, one dog and all our goodies. As we entered the West gate without a ticketed reservation against the traffic of all tourists leaving for the day, we patted ourselves on the back.

Finally. I've been waiting for this moment for almost 39 years. I took a deep sigh of relief and reverence as we passed a stunning lake shimmering under the 6PM sun.

Not 2 miles into the park and we came to a screeching hault. Literally.

"Kids check out that mini waterfall! Deer!"

By now, Buddy, our 90 pound Rottweiler was actively pacing the third row trunk. Obsessed with water he was itching to swim.

The music was off. A somewhat familiar sound came from behind, a loud spray from an aerosol can.

B and I glanced at each other with sheer panic.

"Bear spray!"

It took 2 more seconds for the kids to erupt in screams.

B is always quick on his feet and immediately pulled off the road (which is extremely narrow, only flanked by a ledge and mountainous terrain). The gravel flew as he straddled a large dip next to the trees.

"Everyone out of the car!" I yelled. Our eyes, noses and throats were now burning from the lovely orange colored aroma traveling through the expedition. I held my breath, but without having time to take a deep breath, it was a fleeting attempt.

The doors were open before the car stopped. I barely had room between the close mountain and car, but managed to squeeze through. I noticed Maeson was already out and frozen in shock behind the car. I ran around the front and saw Wes hanging out an open window. Bless her heart, the damn child locks were on since we left the engine running. She literally jumped out the half rolled down window into my arms and started running down the scenic Going to the Sun road screaming "I'm going to DIE!"

I chased her, while cars drove past... drivers staring.

B was behind the car, hacking up a lung, trying to air out the car enough to find the missing leash. Buddy had escaped the trunk and was now darting across the street towards the lake (and sharp ledge).

Well, we all regrouped and survived after some major eye flushing and a cool lake swim.

On our way out, Maeson uttered under his breath "I think I like Yellowstone better."

...............................................................

We will NEVER forget our first visit to Glacier.

It was short lived.

It was a hot mess.

We can acknowledge with real life experience - bear spray WORKS.

Tonight, we try again. What else could possibly go wrong!?

PS: We discovered Buddy had stepped on the backpack, which had externally connected spray. He impressively knocked off the safety tab and without opposable thumbs - issued a 1 second deployment of death.