On

The Katmai Brown Bears don’t enter hibernation en masse, but typically do den over several weeks in late October, early November.  I get it: the days are shorter; the marsh grasses have pinked up; and the trees golden more each day; that extra blanket has a welcome weight. Mount Katolinat looks like a Bundt cake dusted with sugar: this prods bears and people to pig (like we needed any encouragement!) None of us seems to get enough, be that for distraction, from loneliness or hyperphagia.  Patterns are shifting: falls give way to river mouth, fish die and float down what they swam against; everyone seems a bit on edge.  We walk the beach one more time, then dig or board. Such a journey: a first or another year in this rough sweet place.   

Good night bear, good night.
Sleep the sleep that angels sleep.
Sleep, bear, sleep, sleep deep.