I saw the bear coming in the almost dark wilderness campsite. My small band of teenagers I was leading through a long canoe route in the BWCA Wilderness had spotted him and booked it for camp a few seconds ago. I ran and grabbed the camera turning on the strobe flash hoping for a good closeup picture as I positioned myself between bear and food pack. I stopped him about 15 feet away with the flash temporarily blinding him while yelling for the teens to quick get the pack up in the air. The rope was draped over a high limb and the food pack was ready to pull up higher than a bear could reach, all they had to do was grab the rope and pull hard and fasten it off to a nearby tree.
Too late, the teens were in the lake trying to get away from the bear. The general consensus was “let the bear eat Gary.” The bear had run behind a big sloping rock shaking his head while trying to see. I ran up the rock a few feet higher than the bear, when he looked up at me I flashed the strobe again to further blind him. Agitated he ran back to where he was before and I once again ran between bear and food pack. The 3rd strobe flash in the bears eyes was the closest but something snapped in his bear brain that said “I’m out of here” and he turned around and ran straight into a tree with an umph. Bouncing off he broke brush and made all kinds of noise including snapping his teeth to show his displeasure as he ran into the dark forest. The teenagers became suddenly very brave as they raced past me yelling and whooping after the bear and disappeared into the brush. I heard them stop as it was quite dark in those woods, so I yelled after them “He’s coming back!” A few seconds later the teens were in the lake again.
I have at times in my life been accused of “Poor Risk Assessment Skills” and I suspect there was more that could have been said with another dozen stories similar in nature. There are actually a couple stories that were on the line whereas this one was more normal. I am, in my defense, quick to point out that I, and those who have gone with me, are still very much alive. This proves that my risk assessments are actually very accurate. So far.
One of my life skills is helping people “Really Live”
So when I got the call that a northern border river had cleared of ice in most spots, I was ready to go this past Monday with two other guys who have living life qualities similar to mine. I mean, raise your hand if you want to go fishing. Don’t put it down because it’s cold and the winds are, well, brutal. That’s why we put on warm clothes.
After a two hour drive we fished all day. The water temperature was 39 degrees Fahrenheit, the wind chills at zero and the walleye were not abundant. After 8 hours in the boat we agreed it was time to get off the water. Sigh…it was so good to be out there in the wind and cold with the fish sometimes barely hitting. I really don’t know what drives us to call this “really living.” We cannot wait to get out there again. Three men who are so different, but in the boat we have a fellowship of brothers (including the disagreements).
“Really Living” may find one chasing bear and living on the edge. “Really living” to another may be dirty hands and knees in the garden. “Really living” may be in the work shop full of sawdust or metal flakes. “Really living” sometimes forms words, phrases and paragraphs. Sometimes “Really living” is creating special life experiences to communicate, influence and even mentor others.
I get T-shirts and mugs with catchy sayings like “I Fish Therefore I am”, “Fishing Is Life”, “Born to Fish Forced to Work” and a host of other phrases that depict my passions in life. I have, however discovered a passion that works well with my passions. Bringing groups of teens and adults far into the wilderness both in summer and winter forces real life gifts and problems to the surface. On the fear spectrum, I am not afraid of much. I would rather face a bear (risk) than tip a canoe in a storm (high risk) or rescue a drowning man in white water (high high risk). My cliff diving days are over. I think. I probably will do mild weather winter camping from now on. Bringing Teen groups into the wilderness is possibly past, but, I still find myself living on or over the edge as a recent post depicted (Ya, laugh at my expense!!)
The truth of the matter on fearless risk taking is that my ball of twine in life will someday run out of string. I know that. We all die once and then face God while He asks us “why should I let you into my heaven?” The worst answer we could give is “Because I am a good person”. If you cling to your good you also keep all your sin and are thus disqualified to be accepted by God. Risky risky risky!!! don’t go there.
This is My own Easter message to you
Instead, accept that Jesus died for our sin and gives us his goodness to present before God. That is “Really Living“
Meanwhile, I am a follower of Jesus. I do not follow from afar or slide from tree to tree hoping to not be seen (you know the type) I am really alive when I am in tune with God and his ways….Who would turn down having Love, Joy, Peace and a host of other very real things in ones inner life?
“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 (Jesus)
Gary
PS the bear pictures did not turn out. I’m sure glad the strobe worked.
garyfultz 
You once commented on my site that you had been nose to nose with a bear before. Is this when that happened? Or has it happened more than once!?
I love how you weave a great story into your own testimony of “Really Living” in Christ.
PS. Fishing in at O degrees is something I’ve never experienced. Not sure about that one.
Blessings.
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This is a different story David althogh the bear came within 10 feet of me. I have 6 bear stories face to face. This one worked the best for arriving at a point.
Good warm clothes and wind breaking type pants and coats were the key to fishing…also good leather insulated gloves to warm hands after handling bait and fish. You would be fine.
I think the nature of going for it in really living well outdoors has so many parallels to the Christian life. The no turning back attitude of Christ is vital.
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I suppose if I had the right clothes—like the ones you describe. Of course, you are right.
God + the outdoors = a contemplative life.
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Rule of thumb David
When you think you have warm enough clothes to be on the lake, add one more good layer for an extra 20 degrees of warmth. It’s really hard to exercise and warm up the body in a boat if you get cold. Yes, the outdoors can be a very contemplative life although it still needs intentionality.
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Well Gary, you brought back a whole bunch of memories. I spent a good amount of time in the woods when I was in the military, both in the summer and in the winter. Woodscraft 101 was the name of the game and I can still recall an old Sgt telling us young fellas, “only a fool has to be uncomfortable in the woods”. We learned all the old standards, how to create a lean to, to protect us from the wind and how to pick the site so the smoke from the fire would not blow into the lean to etc, basic survival skills stuff. Food always tastes better outside and knowing how to dress is a skill set in itself. It really is amazing on how comfortable one can be with very little to work with. Winter was another story, especially when it goes to go down to -40 degrees. Nothing moves at that temperature. And then there is fishing. There is just something about the smell of fresh water and the sounds, that is beautiful and peaceful, especially in the early evening if there are loons around. The early mornings aren’t bad either. Peaceful, calming, are words that come to my mind. And of course, if you actually catch fish, well that is a bonus. I can still remember a 3.5 lb small mouth bass that I caught and baked and how delicious it was. Fond, fond memories and some beautiful pictures in my mind that I will never forget. And I do have a couple of black bear stories but I will spare you. I call the woods God’s filter, because a lot of the crud disappears and the noise is natural, not man made and fits as it should, especially at night, amongst the stars. And there is no better classroom, anywhere. So I do understand the attraction and the peace with God that can and is found there. And I’m thinking that you’re a fortunate man. Blessings brother.
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Thanks for some memories Bruce. nature sounds do fit in don’t they. I do recognize being fortunate at this stage of life and even when I worked a lot at jobs or self employed, we enjoyed country living. Fresh out of college we lived in the big city for 14 months. That was enough. We put the house for sale and moved to the country with no job but a lot of dreams. I live a quarter mile from a good fishing lake and have miles of forest, very wild forest to explore. We have bear, wolves, bobcat and an occasional mountain lion for larger predator’s. We cannot let our 20 lb dog out or the big owls will have it for dinner. You are right, we are in the middle of God’s classroom. which is part of God’s Art Gallery.
Many insights can be gained if we see those details.
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Well, we both have bear stories brother! Wish I was there with you getting a taste of your wilderness!
Blessings,
Ron
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I have a feeling we would enjoy some good times together in the woods and on the water if closer Ron.
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I enjoyed the pictures, and the story and testimony. I’ve lived here in a rural area for over 40 years, and think I can understand why you’d leave the city. Living close to nature a person can get “riches” the city doesn’t have.
A friend of mine lives beside state gamelands. For awhile a bear came out of hiberation and wondered around the small rural community. Some people broke into houses, but after the bear appeared, the thieves disappeared. The bear was the “homeland security”. My friend said sometimes a bobcat comes around.
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Yes, “Riches the city doesn’t have. That’s a good description. Love the bear story, it makes one wonder if the thieves were using the woods. bobcat will scream like a woman being strangled at night…hair raising. We have a few around here as well as barred owls which get as noisy as a pack of coyotes.
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It sounds as though the woods are full of conversations at night!
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Oh yes, lots of night conversations in the woods. It can be very noisy at times. Mostly early evening and just before daylight.
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Wonder what all those conversations are about! 🙂
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Our little dog thinks they are about him being a tasty meal.
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Unique ‘Risk Skill Assessment’ bear deterrent there Flash 🙂 PTL Salvation requires no risk assessment skill.
All the best for all His best for a blessed Easter brother.
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Very true Fred on salvation needing no assessment skills.. I have often thought about the simplicity of the gospel and how there is a way for everyone to understand their need for a savior
I’m surprised not many have jumped on my skill assessment and self analysis. My mother would have if she were still here. I have a psychologist in the family. He will take care of it for everyone when he reads the post.
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I was about to ask- and the bear pictures ? , then came your last line. 😃
Enjoyed the story immensely with a well said Easter message.
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Thanks Crissy. Of all the pictures I have taken, I would have liked these to turn out. It’s possible no one would go camping with me again though if they had turned out.
The message of Easter is very much on my mind so most of my stories tend to tie in right now somehow.
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Get to writing that devotional commentary –before you take one too many risk and die with it unwritten — ckl = (chuckle)
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Yes, I chuckled over that one Ted. Thanks.
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Such a great post to read this Easter weekend! Wishing you blessings in all that you do…wilderness treks, fishing, and living life to the fullest. You are so right Gary…the abundant life we are offered in Christ is one we want to share with others. (Glad you were able to mentor to that bear to leave camp as well…) Nice to hear you share a brotherhood with your fishing companions in the boat…there is certainly a lot of ‘fishing’ to be done! (Matthew 4:19)
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Thanks Linda, you gave me an idea for a blog title that must be written sometime. There are many reasons and levels as to “Why I Fish” One not being “It will save money” Truthfully the name of my boat is “Gary’s Office”
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Love the idea of telling the kids, “He’s coming back!” Norman Mailer wrote, “Each moment of our existence, we are either growing into more or retreating into less. We are either living a little more or dying a little bit.”
As for cold weather, a friend from Canada informed me, “There’s no such thing as ‘too cold’; only inadequate clothing!” 😎
As for fishing, you know that old saw about give a man a fish vs teach him how to fish. I’ll take the fish, thank you, and with tarter sauce and fries. 😂
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Now you sound like my uncle who lives nearby…he wants all our “extra” fish. And another friend that I taught how to fish last year. The saying for him is “teach a man to fish and he will have to buy a boat”.
They don’t even sell adequate clothing south of the Minnesota border. FYI
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😂😂 Send some of those “extra” fish to Kentucky! And I’m not big on boats either. And for our clothes, you’re right. We had to get them in Canada and Mongolia!
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Well Gary you are quite a fisherman- of fish, men, and readers. You had me completely hooked with your opening sentence and reeled me in through the waters of laughter and suspense. I think you and Peter are going to have quite a time sitting around a campfire in heaven swapping fishing and ministry tales. The best part is that many of the teens & men you’ve ministered to in the wilderness will be joining you as well. Thank you for the Easter message. I hope you and your family enjoy a lovely Easter together.
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It will be a good Easter Beth, thanks. Funny story. I had a guy in my canoe very early morning. It was 11-0 my fish to his. He is frustrated. He asked for a different hook. I gave him my tackle box and said pick one. He picked one I had never caught a fish on. I told him “You know what Jesus told his disciples “fish on the other side of the boat” (ya, my paraphrase). first cast he lands a 43″ northern pike, which in many states would be a state record. My agnostic friend commented “I guess I should listen to Jesus more”
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Gary that is an incredible story. Thank you for sharing. Hope the guy has hung on to the lesson he learned that morning- listen to Jesus.
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Fast forward Beth, That guy has finally started taking his family to church and a kids club. There’s hope.
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Now that is a beautiful pike inspired praise report!
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Thanks for a good read; and an interesting and deep Easter message, all wrapped into one.
My dad had bear stories. His early lesson: poke the dead bear in the eye first, to make sure it’s really dead.
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Thanks Kathy. I have always seen bear as very sneaky. One snuck into camp one night and ate part of a life jacket, crunched my little tackle box, and put teeth holes in our water jug. We busted him when he started seeing what was in a canoe tethered to a tree. It moved against a rock and made a lot of noise waking everyone up. Bear get freiked out rolling bigger rocks between their legs and usually run. So when people ask how to get a pesky bear out of camp I say “Go bowling for bear” It works to have some rocks ready by the tent entrance
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Brave man. The strobe off the camera was quick thinking. Good memories for those youngsters. God’s grip and happy Resurrection Day!
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Thanks Alan. There were other words used by parents fairly synonymous with brave should I look them up some day.
Rocks work as well but the bears get all huffy over a good beaning with several rocks. So far I’m 6 for six on getting bear out of camp.
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Waoh!. You are really adventurous. The read about the bear made me laugh though. 😁
Happy Easter to you and the family, sir. 🤗
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Thanks Mercy, you have a great Easter as well.
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Great story weaved in with pics too! But you ended with the BEST! Let us continue to share the GOSPEL and our testimonies and if one person comes to the LORD because of your writing here, then you have done what GOD has intended! Keep writing for the LORD and have a Blessed Easter! HE HAS RISEN!
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Thankyou and Yes, He is risen indeed. God uses our lives, words and even our timing for his purposes way beyond our intents or imaginations. I’m convinced of that.
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Me too…….there are NO coincidences in this life. I call all of them: GOD-Instances!! The more in tune you are with the Holy Spirit, the more you notice them too. Blessings on your week!
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Yes, i don’t think we notice much or give credit to the Lord on (I like your term ) God-instances
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Really like your Easter message. It’s honest and transparent =) Plus, there’s something about being way out in the woods that helps us return to reason and faith.
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Yes Jennifer, So, so true. I know you hit on something that is so true for many people. Lots of conditions have to line up though as it helps to have a low mosquito and wood tic count. It helps if the wolves howling are a long ways away. It helps when nice birds are chirping and so on. For the most part, nature brings our senses and common sense together.
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Wow!!! Great read….on-the-edge-suspense to heart-grabbing-truth!!
Amen to really living!!
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Thanks Alicia. If I can use my stories and analogies to push others toward a closer walk with our savior, or perhaps nudge doubt aside in someones life to look toward a relationship with Jesus. I guess i’ll find a way.
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Amen!!
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You and my husband may have had some fun a few years ago. Me – I like safe. If I know it’s dangerous, I’m outta there – in the lake with the teens. Although I was once dumped in some rapids while my husband hung onto the raft. This too was with a group of teens who found it quite funny.
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Ha, Teens have a knack for laughing at the wrong time as well as showing up to help cook after it’s done.
I hope the rocks didn’t beat you up. rapids are nasty that way.
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Gary, I woke up from a bad dream this morning fearing I should step away from writing. I’ve been a little distraught over so much of what I’ve been reading lately and have felt confused. But after spending time in God’s Love Letter this morning, I “heard” otherwise. Then following that up with your “laugh out loud, finish with tears” real-life-truth-sharing kind of writing, I do feel inspired to keep going! I think my little bird voice that once had perfect pitch still does live to “sing”.
This is a wonderful piece, as are they all. And I just discovered your devotional! Thank you for your words. You “sing” on perfect pitch! 🙂
Deb
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Ah Deb, hang in there. You make an old guy cry and be tickled at the same time. The pitch in your writing is awesome by the way. perhaps truth, wisdom, humility and honesty coming from the Spirit God has placed in us tunes us well. We will never (hopefully) be in tune with the rest of the world.
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Thank you, Gary. I guess I needed to hear that. My heart is at peace.
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Wow! Great story. Glad the strobe worked.
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Thanks Wayne. I figured it would work better than big rocks (which makes them growl and snap their teeth quite a bit) as it was a very powerful after market strobe. I wish it worked on my new camera that I will be taking up to the wilderness early summer.
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Maybe some pepper spray also.
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That would be the most wise thing. I had a guy bring pepper spray without telling me. He slept with it in his sleeping bag. The kind of guy that would spray first at any noise in the dark and ask questions later. I treat it like a pistol in camp, only responsible people get to have it. My game warden uncle once sprayed bug spray up a bears nose as he was poking it where the zippers meet and sniffing loudly….Made the bear cry and crash a lot of brush getting out of there. I can’t imagine the head rush on that bear. .
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Two great gifts – living your passion while knowing your greatest passion is the Lord Christ. Thank you for this adventure!
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Thanks Beth, So very true. My mother, being a fanatical gardener, often said we are like a plant that grows up and becomes what we were designed to become, but not without good soil and water. The Lord Jesus is our living water and we crave that water. Passions lived out with his plantings and nourishment are god’s delight..
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Ah!! Another great story, and stories, in one, Gary!!
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Thanks Jeff, my favorite critic is a friend who get’s lost when I write like that. He says he needs a compass to stay on my trail of thought sometimes. He is right, I’m like a kid leaving bread crumb trails from the toaster to all over the place.
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You have definitely lives a full life, Gary (LOL). God bless.
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Thanks Anna. This fall I am bringing up to the wilderness area (close to where this bear story happened) my former CEO and Operations manager. We are still friends. I might withhold some of those stories. Stuff just seems to happen when I’m around…for no reason at all.
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