We were driving on a paved highway bordering Blackwater State Forest when I left the paved road to answer the call of nature. I got stuck in the clay and had to wait several hours for a tow. During the time I was stuck, two drunks who had dumped a stolen car in the state forest came by and decided to carjack me with a big stick. I placed my 357 magnum on dash of the car and they left without any more problems.
I've also encountered Black Bears in the Smoky Mountain Park. Shortly after our visit a woman was killed by a bear.
Almost in another world back in the late 60s, but my first hike ever was when I was 14 or 15 in Glacier National Park, where I hiked the Trout Lake trail.
I saw exactly what bears can do to people there. - In fact, I even saw that bear up front and personal.
- Scared me senseless.
I swore at that young age never again to hike long distances without being well armed.
and I never have.