Unbearable

"Coming between a female and her cubs can be dangerous. If a cub is nearby, try to move away from it.   Be alert; other cubs may be in the area."

http://www.americantrails.org/resources/wildlife/WildBearDeerEncntr.html

I've always heard that if you see a bear cub, turn around and go the back the way you came, because Mom can't be far behind.  According to some things I've read recently, this may be a non-urban legend where the American Black Bear is concerned.  But I have no desire to do research.

So when this little guy showed up, hanging around our camp, I was a bit skeptical about being outside when he was around.

Ice Cream

Actually, I suspected he was around before I actually saw him.  He left a calling card.  It pays to know your scat!  (If you happen to find this offensive in any way, just pretend it is "Death by Chocolate" ice cream.  At least it's not as disgusting as one of my previous posts...)

But after a few days, it became apparent that this guy was all alone.  When we saw him moving back and forth across our side yard, there was never anyone with him.  Mom had either pushed him out to fend for himself, or some hunter had made him an orphan.  

I'm outta here.

Yep, I'm leaving.

On second though, maybe I'll provide a photo op.

I'm not a bear expert, but he looks on the small side to be able to make it through the winter.  He also doesn't look plump enough to live on his fat through the cold months.  But maybe he'll find a deep warm den and beat the odds.

A few moons later, he was gone.

  I wish him well.

Maybe he's out there toward the sunset.

Berkeley, Napa, and San Fran...Nov 2012

A nice view of Niagara Falls from the plane

BERKELEY

University of California at Berkeley.  Just beautiful.  Who knew?

Excellent use of trees.

More University

On the returning BART train, the guy in the background was boogying to an unheard tune,
and writing a little book.
"That's the future Randy, if you're not careful," said Mary.

The Christmas tree and lighted palms in Union Square in San Francisco.
Incongruity, anyone?

ON TO NAPA

Castello di Amorosa winery.  Impressive!
Looked just like a Tuscan fortress without the 800 years of wear and tear.
Wine wasn't bad either.

Refugees from the wine wars.

Just like Italy.

Is it Napa, or Tuscany?

One of the tower trolls.

The Castello was great to visit, but we were glad to leave...
Just too many people.

On to the next winery.

The view from St. Clement

Yes, only two bottles...at this winery.

St. Clement is in this old house on a hill.
What a nice change to relax on the terrace and casually sip
while watching the clouds make the sunshine play over the hills.

More of the view from St. Clement

Flowers at Beringer.  This was the highlight.
The wine was pedestrian, and the tasting room was a sonic torture chamber.

Mary enjoyed the setting at Franciscan.
But we were tired and left Napa soon after.

BACK IN SAN FRANCISCO

The next day, on the way to Pat's Cafe for breakfast.

Coit Tower lit by the setting sun that evening.

Much to our surprise, Coit Tower was open at sunset.

Outstanding

View of the blimp's sunset cruise from Coit Tower.

Looking toward the Bay Bridge.

Great place to enjoy the end of the day.

Overlooking the city and the Bay Bridge

Alcatraz, Sausalito and the Golden Gate in the distance.

We stayed at the Hotel Vertigo

1950's kitsch in the room.
Charming, nonetheless.

Do you feel as if you're faaaallllllliiinnnngggggg....????

LANDS END HIKE

Looking back at the Golden Gate

Nice trail around the northwest end of the San Francisco peninsula.

He must have a long fishing line.

The people are in this shot to provide scale.

Everything is so stylish in San Francisco.  Even the driftrocks.

Rock Giant emerging from the water after his swim.

He is not happy about the water temperature.

Taking the trail less travelled.

Overlooking the remains of Sutro Baths at the end of the trail.
Great hike on a nice clear day.