Elwha River and Lillian River, Rica Canyon, Krause Bottom, Geyser Valley

Thanks for the great picture of the elk and bear! It reminds me of my first backpack as a newcomer to Washington 20 years ago with a then-fiance,a very urbanized guy who fancied himself an outdoor adventurer now that he had arrived in Western WA. We woke up in Enchanted Valley in the morning when an elk leapt over the tent (like the cow over the moon) and crawled out to find several black bears contentedly sucking up vegetation (probably flower shoots, onion, etc). I was thrilled, but the SO was terrified we were going to be eaten alive by the big bruins. As the bears ignored him and busily fortified themselves after the lean winter, the fiance jumped around like a madman banging pots and screaming. Fortunately, we didn't ruin anyone else's trip (though he probably gave the bears a headache). The fiance turned into an ex after several more really cringe-worthy outdoor adventures.

But I've always cherished the memory of my first backpack, and those big animals so focused on their morning sustenance in the lovely valley. Thanks for bringing back a nice memory!