Compared to people, give me a bear any day

Inspiration

By Charles Towne

It can be downright dangerous being around some folks these days, in fact, compared to some people, bears are very sweet, even-tempered, and sociable folks.

I was in the local Ace hardware store the other day and as I walked down an aisle I stopped and moved aside to allow this stranger to pass. And, with a scowl on his face, pass he did. He bulled into me, none too gently shoving me aside as he did so, and brandishing his cane as if to hit me, he exclaimed, "Git the h--l out of my way, you… go on, git!"

Now, as you can imagine my first reaction was surprise, after all, he darned near knocked me down, and in my own defense, I must say that it is not every day I am attacked by a blustering, bellicose and most belligerent rock troll! And as you can imagine, my surprise turned to alarm as he brandished that heavy wooden walking stick in my face!

Hey, I was in the hardware store to get a replacement for a left-handed farfanoodle for my conglammerated glammersnit that had klunked when it should have klinked, not to have some rock troll accost me and threaten to pulverize my noodle with his shillelagh!

Luckily, the “gentleman” in question hustled past without smiting me, and as he went on his way he was mumbling something uncomplimentary about my ancestry. This certainly surprised me because he obviously had information about my paternal stock that I was unaware of.

After my encounter with Mr. Knee Andurthall a very nice Asian gent, having witnessed the unfortunate event, approached me, and with great concern asked, "You o.k. sir?" I assured him that I was indeed, “o.k.” to which, while shaking his head, he commented, "That man clazy!" And I most certainly had to agree, that man was definitely "clazy.".

In all of my years following and photographing bears, I have been bluff charged, cussed at, threatened, and run over, by them, but one might say that is what one would expect from bears, after all, they are bears.

Yep, you can give me a bear any day.

AN OUTDOORSMAN’S PRAYER

Dear lord, please protect each of us from “clazy” people. Help us to always treat others with kindness, mercy, patience and consideration. Teach us father, reveal to us your will in all things that we may be a blessing, and never a curse to the others in your family. Thank you father, thank you and praise you, In Jesus’ most Holy name I ask it, Amen.

Charles Towne is first and foremost a Christian. An octogenarian, author, journalist, wildlife photographer, naturalist, caregiver, and survivor, his life has been and continues to be, a never-ending adventure filled with possibilities never imagined. He has adopted the philosophy that to Live fully, laugh uproariously, love passionately, and learn like there is no tomorrow, is a formula for a long and joy-filled life.