Samwise & Emily Meet a Bear

In the forest, the snap of a twig or a breaking branch offers the possibility of instant excitement. A simple walk through a tangle of wild trees holds the potential for thrilling adventure. 

On most long weekends, we forsake getting into Clarence, leave him napping in the driveway, and instead, I slip on my water shoes. Then it’s across the backyard, down the bear path, wade through the thigh-high Ellis River to the cross-country ski trails, and then miles of trekking without the holiday crowds. Sanity is always close at hand.

Alas, soaking rains swelled the rivers, and the Ellis was high and threatening. 

So we awakened Clarence, pushed through the clamor of urbanites who came north to escape their rushed lives and visited the maze of trails near Attitash Ski Resort. 

A day’s worth of downpours ceased in the morning, leaving the woods soaked and shiny. Trails were slick with mud and fallen leaves. Strong winds stirred the treetops. Older trees groaned and creaked. We heard the unmistaka…