UPDATE - Bear Warnings 3 Shelters in a Row!

   Red Bull responded to my warning texts and phone message, fairly late last night.

   The shelter where he is camping (Peck's Corner) has been added to the warning page of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, due to bear activity.  It was a new addition, and I had not seen it to alert him before he stopped.

   Red Bull told me he was fine, and that a ranger was stationed at the shelter.  He plans to hike almost 20 miles today (really a hard push with elevations going to 6,054 feet) to get past the next problem bear areas. The next two shelters along the trail, Tri-Corner Knob Shelter (mile 222.2) and Cosby Knob Shelter (mile 229.9) both have bear warnings issued.  Red Bull has not hiked that far in one day on this trip, at least the last 4 miles will be almost all down hill!

Thank You to all the Hard Working Park Rangers!
photo credit: visitmysmokys.com

  Before he left, I would often ask what he would do if he encountered a bear on his journey.  He told me he would love to come face to face with a bear,  If a bear charged him he would scare it away. if it attacked he would stab it with his hiking poles.  His good hand is injured, and he only has one hiking pole until that hand mends.  So... I wonder if he is as confident in his ability to carry out that plan with his left hand and one pole?

 Godspeed Red Bull... you are ever in our prayers.