A Bear? On the trail to Loon Lake Damp from cap to boots, lips chapped, throat dry, I put one foot in front of the other. The scenery started to resemble that from the start of our hike. The trailhead was closer to us than the B-23 we left hours behind us. Wiping away the sweat dripping into my eyes, as pine needles crunched under my boots, I thought of the conversation we had before climbing into the truck. I thought of the conversation I’m sure we had early that morning. He asked, “Did you pack enough food and water?” “I think so. Are you bringing the nine?” I asked. “It’s too heavy, I don’t want to carry it.” “What if we see a bear?” “If we see a bear, I will throw myself in front of it to save you." I climbed into the truck and he kissed me on the forehead before closing my door. A few moments later we were traveling down the highway towards Loon Lake to check off an item from my bucket list. At the hottest part of that July day our early morning conversation seemed like a dis...