Oh don't get me wrong Emily, I have a healthy respect for and fear of bears. Its one thing when they are in a tree lounging and there is a DOW officer standing next to you with a rifle. Quite another to see one hiking or camping. We went to Montana a few years ago into grizzly country. Planned a hike but when we got to the trail you could tell it wasn't used very often. I was nervous the whole time. We had our keys strapped to the outside of our packs and sang the entire time. Then we camped not to far from there and I barely slept the whole night. I've never run into a bear on a trail, but I know it happens around here, I try to be smart about it to be safe.

Hmm, speaking of which, we are going to Montana again this summer for vacation . . . I might pick up a few bells. At least this time we are sleeping in a lodge!