Encounter with three Black Bears in the back country North of Big Sky Range

September 14, 2010

It was an off day for Andreas so we decided to take a long drive to the back country. We took the shotgun hoping we could find some birds or grouse.
The itinerary was as follows:
From Bozeman, we went to I-90 to Belgrade. North in 290 passing Dry Creek, Maudlow Rd., Sixteen Mile Creek Rd to Ringling( elev. 5311), then down to South 89 to Bridger Canyon to West Flathead Creek then to Flathead Pass(elev. 6801). On the return we went south to Rocky MT. Rd, Spring Hill Rd then back to I-90 to Bozeman.
Lou was taking pictures while travelling. Here are some.


While driving, Andreas said he saw a bear. So we went back.

We pass by a lot of old ruined farms or Homesteads.

Here is even a big homestead abandoned to ruin.

In some places the whole town even with bars or old stores are abandoned.
It is just sad to see this ruins.
Here are some more pictures of the black we saw. This bear was picking up berries in a bush. But when he saw us started to move away.

We reached the Flathead pass and saw some black Angus cows.  They were looking at us. There was a guard rail which the cows will not pass. Andreas had to go down and guide them where to go.

We had a snack and even played with the slingshots.

The rocks are vertical and sedimentary.


The rock formations are more obvious along this stream.





There was a stretch in the pass where there was no road. It really scared me to hell.  Andreas was guiding Ivano where to put one tire in front on top of a rock and the other tire in the back on top of another rock. Sometimes the car would be dipping down in front and the back hanging up. I said I gonna have a heart attack sitting here. I think it will be better if I walk. Andreas said, Mama stay in the car. I am used to driving this kind of terrain. I just want Pappy to have the experience. We saw something was wrong with the car with the blinking red light. They turn off everything and the car was just running on the battery reserve. Andreas said we may have 1 1/2 to 2 hours reserve. 


That's why we were not able to stop and enjoy the last bear. But Lou took some pictures of antilopes we saw on the way. 

Upon reaching the road, Andreas drove the car speeding up so we will have enough power.

Here is a video posted in Facebook.

Thank God we made it home safely and in one piece.


Bye Till the next adventure.... Ciaoooooooo