That was an interesting story. (Have I ever mentioned how I hate bears?) If you ever tell it in print again, though, you may want to elaborate with a few more words in key places. Maybe just a prepositional phrase would do. I mean, we're talking about the difference between you being perceived as a rational, intelligent human or a complete dumbazz who needs supervision.
"I started chasing it, then AFTER TAKING ONLY 2 STEPS FORWARD, I thought better of it."
Reader: "Wow, this person is really intelligent! I bet he's a really good camper and has a ton of common sense that serves him well in life!"
Or, if the reader is left to his own active imagination:
"I starated chasing it, AND AFTER 30 MINUTES OF RUNNING AROUND ALONE, IN THE DARK, IN THE MIDDLE OF BEAR COUNTRY, MOMMA HEARD, SMELLED,AND SAW ME CHASING HER CHILD, SO SHE STARTED CHASING ME TO KILL ME DEAD, AND I thought better of it."
:-)
Some of us have very active imaginations. (Did I mention bears are on my hate list?)
Here’s how it went, in detail:
I ran about ten yards and stopped to pull out my Fenix LD20 flashlight. I lit up the trail and saw a small set of eyes about 30yds away. So I looked down to adjust the beam to max brightness and then lit up the trail again.
This time, I saw TWO sets of eyes. One distinctly larger than the other.
I go to Shenendoah National Park several times a year. In fact, I’m going there this Thursday. I’ve run across bears every time. The last time, a cub ran across the trail in front of me and climbed up a tree. Danger, Will Robinson. So I stepped back a few years and got really nervous. I carry a Glock 22 everywhere while hiking/camping, but I was in no hurry to use it. I looked around and saw the mother bear 50yds up the hill, watching her cub and me. So I beat feet down the trail about a hundred yards before slowing, just in case.