It wasn't him, but one of his kind. He walked only about 20-30 m ahead of us through the forest. and looked at us as we passed him on our hike today in Shenandoah valley. For the third time, we jumped into the car and drove the two hours to the Shenandoah National Park for another great hike. Certainly, it is not the big mountains there. Yet, the wild forest, completely left to itself is a very beautiful and romantic place to walk around. And it is full of bears.



On our hike last weekend we met a guy hitting two rocks against each other. He was trying to scare away a sow and her cubs, who were close by. What we did not know as we came around the corner: we apparently walked right in their direction. Not a good move, would they have still been in sight. Very curious whether we would find a bear on our own, we continued our hike. However, we had to leave without a spotting and knowing that we met people on our have seen several bears strolling around the forest.

Today, however, we were lucky. The cute (not its size, but its looks) animal trotted a few yards in front of us, then turned off into the forest before it stopped, only to stare at us as we were walking by. What a cool experience on a great hike through canyons alongside dreamy brooks. See some pics in the gallery.

PS The new picture in the header was taken by Seba in the Shenandoah Valley. Somehow the two of use to not seem to understand the American word "Antique" very well... But we find this sign rather amusing...