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<DIV><FONT face=Arial>This discussion, like those around bear
canisters and dogs on the trail, is reborne anew every year.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial>Bottom line - it's your hike, your comfort level, and your
pack weight to bear (no pun intended).</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial>If it makes you feel better, then by all means - carry the
bear spray; carry a shotgun or some other heavy caliber firearm (except in the
National Parks). You're the one who has to carry the weight........and keep it
handy.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial>As has been pointed out by far more experienced hikers
than I, common sense and knowledge are weightless - the truly super ultralight
approach. Going in a group through bear territory is also weightless, and gives
you someone to talk to rather than just arbitraily singing or feeling foolish
yelling "hey bear" as you walk down the trail. What would you say if one
answered you? I'm told there has never been a documented bear attack on a group
of three or more anywhere, anytime.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial>Know the risks inherent in the area in which you are going
to hike. In a few remote places with heavy Grizzly or Polar Bear activity, you'd
likely be very foolish not to carry bear spray and/or a firearm. What do the
locals do? It is my impression is that the CDT does not go through any of these
areas.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial>And yes, I used to ranch in the Yellowstone country of
Idaho. I know what Grizzlies are and what they can do. I'm in more danger from
the other hikers and hunters than from the bears.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial>Wandering Bob</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>