Last Saturday about 8:15 am I was getting ready to go outside for a morning cup of coffee. It was actually warm enough to enjoy the out of doors which I have been longing for all spring/summer. Almost the 4th of July and no real sun shiny days until....Saturday the 2nd. While I was in the kitchen getting ready to make my espresso, from my little barista, Meika (my rottweiler dog) started barking her head off. I looked outside and there she was just a few feet from this guy to the right. He wasn't quite out of the bushes yet from the cliff side. He didn't seem to mind about her and was still headed up on the lawn. But, of course, since he was four times her size I guess her fierce barking didn't intimidate him any way. Then there's me...yelling for Meika to "Get Back"! and she was paying me no never mind. Humph! I gave up and came back inside and grabbed my camera. Definitely a Kodak moment. Since she no longer needed to get my attention she came running into the house with me but it was all I could do to keep her behind me when I stepped out of the sliding glass door at the end of the house. At this time I didn't want Meika scaring the bear away. Not at all likely. This male was not afraid of me or the dog. He only had one thing on his mind...red luscious strawberries.
Two things I didn't think about...one, putting my digital on action mode - yes, I have it but I was so excited about seeing this bear up close and personal it didn't even cross my mind. The second thing was my little camera even has movie capabilities. I proved that by filming the flood we had this last December down on the Sandy River. I took some great footage of Dodge Park and the Bull Run and Sandy Rivers coming together. Back to my morning coffee story...I did my best with my limited knowledge of picture taking. With his full, heavy, winter coat still on he made a very photogenic specimen.
This next picture is pretty blurry but I kept it in the post because I wanted you to be able to see his face as he's approaching the strawberry patch. Just a perfect level for him to chomp right in. I've always wondered how they picked the berries and ate them. Kind of just like a dog...face first.
I wish I could have caught the full muzzle with green leaves dangling out the side of his mouth. It was almost comical! He had turned to look at us and stood up. I would guess he's about 5ft tall. Now would be the perfect time to get a coat I would imagine. Before he starts getting all scraggly. I zoomed in a bit on this next shot but the porch post was in the way and I certainly did not want to step any closer than I already was.
I'm not sure why he didn't stay and eat more. It could have been because Meika was inching her way over towards him again or maybe he was getting perturbed I was taking his photograph. It seemed so strange. After he faced me with his mouth full of berries and leaves he got back down on all fours and just nonchalantly started walking towards my direction. Our bedroom slider door is only about three yards from the original bear trail - which obviously, is still in use. I wasn't worried he would come towards me but I have to admit I certainly had the thought in the back of my mind as he began making faster strides. And yes, he was looking right at me and I don't believe I even had Meika in my thoughts. As I look back on this I believe she was just a couple of steps in front of me watching the beast she was protecting Mom from.
After almost a week I think back on this whole episode of my leisurely view and I wish I had my camera in action mode. I would probably have gotten quite a few more good close-ups of him. I could still easily write about what I see in my 10/20ft X 50ft back yard but not many would have believed me if I didn't show the proof.
Until next time ... maybe it will be about the three bears.
Oh! I finally did get to drink my coffee but in the house. :)
