by Wendy Machmer

Created on: July 22, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Teddy Bear's Picnic

You gotta love camping!

When we registered for our weekend campsite we were given an alert, warning all campers about the yearling brown bear who was seen parading through the park during the week. The printed notice emphasized the importance of keeping food in a locked car and caring for garbage appropriately. It also stated that although the bear was of medium size, just the same, people should not approach it, if seen. We found this news interesting but really didn't give it another thought.

In a state park in Northern Wisconsin in July, scores of tents are scattered about the densely wooded grounds with their occupants having set up housekeeping in little niches throughout the woods. It's hilarious when you think about it. This is how the
Settlers lived in all climates throughout the year in these Northern territories. This way of life was undoubtedly an incredible hardship, one in which we, who live in relative comfort, can never fully understand. Yet, we like to think we are "roughing it" when we temporarily set claim to a campsite for a weekend, bringing many comforts from home on our journey. The car is jam-packed with supplies for nearly every possibility. We hope beyond hope that our weekend adventure will include spotting an owl or some unusual animal, to make our campout memorable.

Like many families who camp for a weekend or two during the summer, mine had joined their ranks at this idyllic place, not too far from home. We loved being at Pattison State Park, where the forests were pristinely kept by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR); where the cool waters of the nearby man-made lake welcomed us after a morning hike and a hearty breakfast cooked on our camp stove. After sitting around our campfire in the evening, this park offered us its most redeeming perk-a nice hot shower in a sturdy, modern concrete building. This was "roughing it."

As the afternoon of our second day approached, my husband and daughter decided to take a walk. This was an opportunity for me to relax at the picnic table with a crossword puzzle book, a bag of peanuts and a diet pop. These little periods of solo time with nature were times I treasured.

Having set out my snacks along with my purse at the picnic table, I decided to tidy up the tent first. Hearing unfamiliar sounds outside the tent, I wondered if my family had already returned. Opening the flap, I simply couldn't believe the sight in front of me. There he wasthe brown bear, approaching my picnic

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