hey there! Sorry about the rant yesterday, it was late and those people are REALLY infuriating to talk to. Imagine a cross between an evil clown, a librarian and a Pekingese. Anyway- Well, it appears winter came back for a visit. We've got about 5" of snow down on the ground now and if Anchorage is any indicator another 15" or so on the way. That's okay, though, when it's snowing it's typically above 0. I'll take the snow any day! Nick's snowshoes are repaired courtesy of Steve's shop and tools so we're ready to rock again. Got an invitation from a friend to go brown bear hunting up north this spring. He's got some property in a 'problem bear' area (Which means that Alaska Fish and Game has determined there are to many grizzlies in the area) and they need to be thinned out. We'd each be allowed 2 bears and since it's an extermination the bear parts could actually be sold which is a rare occasion indeed. In Japan Grizzly bear gallbladder goes for an INSANE amount of money. Apparently it works well as a Japanese aphrodisiac. Now, I've never actually shot a brown bear, but it looks like a LOT of fun. I tracked one once on an island in the sound. Followed him for about a mile up a steep draw before I looked around and realized that not only had my hunting partners abandoned me, but the walls of the draw were within 6' of me, WAY to steep to climb up, it was beginning to get dark and the tracks were getting REALLY fresh. I didn't have to ponder the logic of continuing the hunt long before I realized discretion might be the upper side of valor and I backed slowly down the draw, just waiting for that sucker to come charging down at me. It's somewhat sobering to see tracks as big around as a dinner plate with claw indentations you can fit your entire finger into and they have water slowly seeping back into them. (Which means he was scary close) and you've left yourself without an escape route. Ah well, Live to plan the hunt better another day! Anyway, Like I said, in a MUCH better mood today. I figure I've lived through just about the worst thing I possibly can, By far the worst year I EVER want to have to survive through, and so I'll make it through whatever is coming. Always remember, Better or worse, tomorrow is always a different day! Have a great weekend, Everyone!