The Phantom of Hungry Hill
How this massive hill winding up a very steep slope got its name, nobody seems to know. On this hot sunny day I pump my way up the long the narrow shoulder of the road as the ever present trucks and RV’s speed toward me. The crest is near. After an hours long climb I feel good. To make room for extra water I have casually left my bear spray behind. Mistake!
The bears are here. The placard on top of hungry hill tells the story of the phantom. It was a 1200 pound bear who fed on more than 50 large cattle. For three years it was hunted. It eluded traps and snares. Finally when two rangers trapped the massive beast and were ready to kill it, the giant bear broke free, lunged through the air, and fortunately the rangers were able to shoot it before it devoured them too.
This is the last time I will leave my bear spray behind!