bells, bears, bwahah

Yesterday around lunch time there was a major bickering match going on in our tiny little apartment. Not involving me. I know---you are in shock it wasn't with me. Adam and Matt (our newly moved to Alaska from iowa/ohio friend--just kidding, kansas) were gearing up to go backpacking when Matt hoisted his backpack on. The tiny apartment filled with the sound of a herd of Santa's Reindeer at Christmas. If you are thinking jingle bells, good guess.

Neah looked at him strangely (i think it was the first time she's heard bells) and Adam started practically yelling about how ineffective and annoying bells are. And how Matt better take the bells off or they weren't hiking. Ok, truthfully I can't really remember what they said, but the point is that since loudly arguing is Adam and Matt's favorite sport, said bickering match ensued regarding the bells....and continued out the door with them as they left for the great wild yonder.

For anyone not from the north or the woods, the bells are "to alert the bears you are coming." Except they don't work: http://www.adn.com/2011/08/21/2024983/bear-runs-over-hiker-on-chugach.html. This is yesterday on the trail Adam and Neah hike often. It is about 10 minutes from our abode.

Then again, maybe the bells just get you run over and not eaten, in which case--jingle on Matt!! Personally, i think the snarling australian shepherd will be a bigger deterrent to the bears--she definitely makes more noise than bells, but who am i to deny safety precautions and prevent sharing the holiday spirit 4 months early.