On our Hells Canyon trip this year we learned something new.  About mid-way through our hike is a spot named Suicide Point.  I don't know the story behind the name but I do know that the trail is blasted out of a cliff and drops 400 feet straight down to the Snake River.  If the wind is blowing or it's otherwise bad weather then Suicide will raise the hair on the back of your neck.

This year when we were approaching that section of the trail we ran into a pack mule train headed the opposite direction (just coming down off of Suicide).

Notice in the picture that the guide is walking in front of his horse.  He saddled back up just after passing us.  He clearly was experienced enough in Hells Canyon to know it would be stupid to ride his horse across Suicide Point.

We spoke briefly with him as he passed and asked what he was up to.  He said he was supplying a group of bear hunters just above Sheep Creek.  Now I can honestly say I know what it means to be loaded for bear.

We had our own definition of loaded for bear which we realized on our last night before heading out to the trail head.  We had a little extra energy after the hike during the day so we headed out to the cars and picked up a mini-keg of beer and hauled it back into the camp site!  Here's my photograph of loaded for bear.