What would you rather encounter on a trail… a bear or a man?

That was the viral question my brother and his girlfriend asked me before I headed out on a solo hike this morning in Glacier. I quickly and confidently answered “well I have bear spray… so bear.” That is when I realized that I thought a grizzly was more predictable, than the male species. And although I still stand by that statement… I ended up running into a man on that hike. His name was Mark Matheny, and he was accompanied by his dog, Ginger, who ran over to me causing the start of a conversation. Turns out Mark ironically is a grizzly bear attack survivor and the founder of one of the most well known bear spray brands, UDAP. I am serious… look him up or go to his website, bearspray.com. **Disclaimer: website includes photos from the attack**

He got attacked in 1992 near Yellowstone, after he encountered a bear with her two cubs. Mama bear mauled his face and bit his hunting partner but the grizzly eventually was scared off with pepper spray. He said that was the day God gave him a purpose and work worth doing. He left his job in construction and pursued a calling to advance the formula of pepper spray to create a true bear deterrent. I am searching for life’s purpose as any 25 year old does, but I hope I find mine via different circumstances. 

There seems to be a common theme for 20 somethings… they are either getting engaged or running half marathons. Clearly I am not getting engaged right now so by default I fall in the running category, with those who choose to suffer. I ran a half this weekend, and besides the pain it was very fun. The first sign I saw on the course was “I hope this solves your quarter life crisis.” Spoiler alert it didn’t but it for sure was a step in the right direction. A good reminder that I can do hard things. The half marathon deserves its own blog because in true Erin and Jessie fashion… it was pure chaos, but in the best way possible. There is something about small mountain towns, glacier water and girls trips that make me so damn happy. 

But back to the question… bear or man? Still bear ;). Especially now that I have even more faith in my bear spray. What can I say, Mark is a really good salesman. And what are the odds the next man I meet on the trail is like Mark? I can’t take those chances… so bear.

Bear with me boys, 

Erin 

P.S. One out of seven women voted that they would rather encounter a man.

P.S.A. Bear spray works on men as well as bears.