Got adventurous and decided to try the 5-mile Seven Sisters Trail out of Stony Fork Campground. I packed a sandwich and an apple and water and hitched up the boys.

Once out on the trail, I unhitched Moe. He will dart ahead, returning regularly to check on me, while Scooby and I plod sedately along. The first mile or so climbs steeply, switchbacking up the mountain, but once on top it’s more a matter of skirting the shoulder. I’m on the alert for upland birds and spectacular vistas. I saw plenty of both.

At the two-mile point (also the highest point on the trail), we stopped to assess our progress. Ahead was a steep downhill, followed by an equally steep uphill to the next summit. I let discretion be the greater part of valor, and chose to turn around after stopping for lunch. The sun came out. We paused a while longer to enjoy the added warmth, and to watch a buzzard soaring below us.

Heading back, I slipped on the narrow trail, landing hard on my left hip. I had just dusted myself off, and was limping on, when I heard this strange noise: like a puppy whimpering. Moe was riveted to a spot below the trail, so I raised my binoculars, and then I saw them—two tiny black bear cubs, no bigger than my dogs, and a good 40 feet up a huge tree. Mom was nowhere in sight. I tried to get a picture of them, then it hit me: I COULD NOT SEE MOM. I decided to get the hell out of there.

Take my word for it: this was the best picture I could get with my iphone. How did they get up that tree? Did mom send them up for safety when she heard us coming? Could they get down on their own, or would mom come back for them? I’ll never know, but I hope they will be OK.

Then, as if that wasn’t enough excitement, I added two birds to my life list—a blue-headed vireo and a black-throated green warbler—on the hike back! Whew! Time for a shower. Russ will rejoin me tonight or tomorrow.