[at-l] Dancing with Bears

[Raphael Bustin]

Hey gang, I've been away for a while but I'm about to
embark on this year's section hike, SOBO from the Bear
Mountain Bridge to DWG and maybe a bit beyond.

There's much talk about bears being active in this region,
particularly on Kitatinny ridge.

In 1500 miles of AT hiking so far, I've never actually
encountered a bear on the trail.  I'm not sure I want to,
honestly.  Could be a thrill, or it could be a real bummer.

So here's my question:  is it safer to stay at or near the
shelters (where bears may be habituated) or to seek
stealth sites where bears are less likely to be habituated?

Any other comments & suggestions about this section?

Any shelters to avoid?

I'm hoping to do 15 miles per day... hoping that's not too
ambitions for an old fart.


rafe b
aka terrapin