I just returned from a 6-day backpacking trip in North Cascades National Park. We went up and over Cascade Pass, down to Stehekin for a visit to the Stehekin Pastry Company!
On the way there (and back) we visited Horseshoe Basin, which is an incredibly beautiful, jaw-dropping place and will merit its own series of images…but along the way we met up with a denizen of the forest…
We are resting at the trail junction with the spur trail to Horseshoe Basin and looking up I spotted a black bear headed right for us! Excited to have a chance to photograph her, I ran for the camera and started shooting.
Slowly I approached her, as she came down the last switch-back to the trail junction, wanting to have a clear image but not get too close. The trails form a sort of highway for many creatures in the park, it is certainly the easiest way to cover ground in the thick brush and mountain sides…
She approached the trail junction, and I am shooting (pictures!!!) like mad…and then I realized that she wanted to head down the trail where we were standing!
We started to say nice words to the bear, and backed up along the hill-side, waiting to see what she would do.
The bear stopped and considered, sizing us up…then she sort of resignedly continued down the trail, out of our sight while she traversed the slope just below us, then once passed our location, climbed back up the hill made it back on the trail and continued on her way up to Horseshoe basin…
We sat for a while, in wonder, munching our clif bars and then set off along the trail, after her…
North Western Images - photos by Andy Porter 
Absolutely breathtaking!! What a beautiful (albeit sometimes scary) animal and so glad you were able to capture this. So gorgeous!!
Great pics, but u r crazy to stick around.:)
Hi, I just found your blog through Jackie from Swerving from Butterflies. Your pictures are amazing. I don’t know that I would be so brave!!
Reblogged this on Seeing The Light.
Ciao, Amazing you must be a very calm person ! I would have run like mad!!! Well done great shots.
I dreamed of that encounter, she was a nice bear!
That is so cool! Great photos!
Hey Nat-a-lator! Thanks!
Hello!
I’ve nominated you for a “Seven Things About Me” Award. I greatly admire your stunning photos!
Please visit this link on my blog to accept.
http://swervingforbutterflies.com/2012/08/23/seven-things-about-me-such-an-honor/
Congratulations:)
~ Jackie
Jackie,
I am honored and want to thank you!
I also dont have a clue on what to do next: Do I simply comment on the link you sent? Or am I supposed to post a write up of my seven things and other blog pages I enjoy somewhere? On your site? My site?
If you could give me a little direction, I would be most grateful!
Thanks,
Love,
Andy
You’re welcome! I know it can be time-consuming, so take your time. No worries! You are just supposed to write a post and mention the award you were given, who gave it to you, seven random things about you, and then nominate other blogs you enjoy. Then you are supposed to let those bloggers know that you nominated them and copy and paste the link back to your post for them. Phew! I hope this helps:)
OMG! That was dangerous! I am glad you survived and even managed to make this great photostory.
Thanks! There was never any danger, I am just glad she came along to pose for me!