Does a bear poop in the woods

The last few days have been crazy hard for me. I have been so tired. I’m not sure why, probably a combination of hard work day after day with little to no rest except night time and the lack of proper nutrition.  Yesterday was the worst day so far for me mentally and physically. I have a rule though, never quit on a bad day. I was trudging along. Wondering how long it would take me to get to our designated shelter. My partners had hiked on. Just when I thought I couldn’t go any further I round the switchback and take a few steps and there’s Walking Man taking a break also. I joined him in his misery and all of a sudden for both of us things didn’t seen so impossible. We hiked together until camp, enjoying a trail the eased up and meandered the rest of the way. GQ was sitting in a stream when we approached him. A cold stream. Clothes off, well almost,  under garments still on and we all relaxed our achy muscles in natures spa. A little biodegradable soap and we felt brand new. Just what we needed for one last big climb and descent into the shelter. 

A few days back I had a funny thing happen. Well, it’s only funny now. I just haven’t had time or service to write about it. It was lunch time and whenever possible I try to take lunch breaks at a shelter along the way. This day was no different. A few other hikers where doing the same when I arrived. First order of business is always to removed pack, drink and get my toiletry bag and head to the privy. Another hiker recognized my actions and politely suggested a tree might be better. I figured I’d at least check out the facilities and judge for my self. Upon first inspection it looked like a nice clean well built potty unlike most on the trail. It was better then our family’s hunting camp outhouse. So, this is where my title comes in, “Does a bear poop in the woods”. Well, this bear should have. As I sat on the clean seat, to tired to hover like I usually do and placed an initial deposit, in horror I felt the wetness of backsplash. Already in full disposal mode, the strongest of sphincter muscles could not hold this back. There was plop-plop but no fizz-fizz, just splash splash back up to my hinie. OM MY GROSSNESS!!! I used half a bag of wipes and half a bottle of hand sanitizer. I survived but hope that doesn’t ever happen again. Now I always inspect the privy for liquid. 

Happy Hiking

Emily M. Leonard

About Emily M. Leonard

I am a 50 year old Maine native and lover of the outdoors. Former Physical Education teacher and soccer coach. I am Married to the best husband ever and gave up teaching and coaching to raise our two wonderful sons. I have always enjoyed being outside and on the go.