Better chances for grizzly sighting

This week was a splendid mix of sunshine and warm weather, with cool rainy weather and even a short touch of snow. As a result, spring runoff is happening at a measured pace. If this continues for another month, there could well be no flooding and enough moisture to hold fire danger to at least normal levels. Let’s hope so.

I was hoping to get a good lead on Gary McDonough in our annual bear sighting contest. Last year I saw three grizzlies before Gary arrived on the North Fork. Unfortunately, within a week of his arrival, Gary not only caught up with me, he doubled my count and his lead continued and grew throughout the summer and fall. In the end, he trounced me again. McDonough has won our annual contest every year but one. Of course, I start every summer with renewed hope.

This year, I have already seen one grizzly. However, Gary and his eagle-eyed assistant, Karen, are already here for the summer. To add to my concern, many North Fork residents have sighted multiple bears which does not speak well for my chances. One resident told me he had a sow with two cubs of the year in his yard for an extended period of time and others have seen more than five bears this spring.

Nevertheless, I should not be counted out. In preceding years I was an aging old guy with less than perfect eyesight. This year I am still aging but surgery last winter has returned my eyesight to 20/20.

In addition, instead of driving up and down the North Fork alone with my attention solely on driving, I am recruiting passengers with great eyesight to ride with me as spotters. Only folks with better than average eyesight need apply.

With the river remaining mostly green, if not clear, I have noticed more and more rafts and kayaks on the river. When I was in my 20s or 30s, I would have been among them. Today, at 79, I will wait for the river to slow down and clear up. My current rule for floating the river is: 70 degrees F at launch time with prospects of warming. It is much easier to plan for sunscreen than it is to plan to combat hypothermia.

I do have advice for the current floaters. Do not just have lifejackets in the boat as required by law. 

Wear them. Pay attention to the river ahead and watch for, and avoid, log jams, overhanging trees. If you are thrown out of the boat keep your feet downstream to avoid head injuries and use the current to help you to shore. You cannot swim against the full force of the current and with the water just above 40 degrees F you cannot stay in it for too long without a dry-suit.

Probably the riskiest spot on the North Fork is the “shelf” just below Canyon Creek. North Valley Search and Rescue has had more than a dozen missions to that spot in less than a month in the past. Check with local Forest or Park officials for up to date info and do not overestimate your abilities. Oh yeah—have fun!