Rafting North America's Wildest River or Chris, Stop Inviting Grizzlies Into Camp!

"Chris, can't you attract something smaller and less predatory?" Chris had done it again - but we'll get back to that.

Myself and a group of friends rafted the Tatshenshini River last summer. We were all blown away by the grandness of this area. A constant current interrupted by wild rapids, amidst mountains shrouded in snow and glaciers, confluent streams and rivers, lush valleys, and a healthy wildlife population are its signature.

The Tatshenshini River is located in the northwestern corner of Canada where the boundaries of British Columbia, Alaska and the Yukon converge. We started at Dalton's Post in the Yukon and ended in Dry Bay, Alaska near the Pacific Ocean. The adventure was never without incredible scenery and adrenalin moments. Although highlights were many, all agreed that the icebergs in Alsek Lake, and the thunderous shearing of surrounding glaciers into icebergs, was without equal. Some of the icebergs approached the size of four story buildings.

In 1994, in recognition of its extraordinary scenic and wildlife values the Tatshenshini River was named a United Nations' Education, Science, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

Oh, yes, about Chris. You can't help but like him. A septuagenarian, from Ontario, he has an unique aura about him that seems to attract bears. It is not the kind of "gift" that insures longevity in the wilderness. Chris would go off for a walk while in camp and return to the social fire to announce that he and a bear came upon each other. He is never excited or frightened by the encounter. "Come on - quick before it disappears!", he would announce. To some in the group, the encounter option seemed to be the least desireable one. To others, we grabbed cameras and were treated to some exciting, safe distance, moments with one of nature's great predators.

Chris managed to draw bears to our camp on two other occasions, and had done so a number of other trips we did together. Depending on your bruin perspective, you may want to check the trip manifest if you ever decide to join us.