I think that around here just remembering to make some noise so a bear has a chance to know you're there is the best way of protecting yourself against a bad outcome. I try to make a point to do that and I have no doubt that's why I don't see many bears here.

It's a wondrous thing to move through our forest here, off the trail, in the heart of it. It's a very seductive experience and it makes it incredibly hard to resist being quiet and stealthy, but that's stupid.

There are still occasions when I realize I've been moving pretty fast and very quietly and being stupid. When that happens I quickly acknowledge I've been lucky again and I thank my guardian spirits for watching out for me, then I make some noise and stay put for a minute or two.