Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my!

     Actually, we only have bears to worry about, but still a very legitimate concern.  Although Zoe and I both knew bears were a threat from the beginning, we didn't seriously consider it until this weekend.  We have received a wide range of input in regards to this situation.  My mom suggested canceling the trip, a friend suggested buying the Boy Scout Handbook App, and my roommate suggested buying Bear Mace.  All good ideas, well all except for canceling the trip (sorry mom!)  After doing some reading, here's what we've decided to do:

At the Campsite

1.  Make sure all food and any other smelly items are kept in the car at all times.

2.  Change our clothes before we go to bed to ensure that we don't smell like food.

3.  Eat at a campsite far from our own (perk of going in the off-season.)

4.  Bring an assortment of pots and pans inside of our tent to bang if we hear a bear approaching (hopefully we wake up to hear it approaching!)

On the trails

1.  If we see a bear, grab hands, make ourselves as big as possible, and start growling.

2.  Walk loudly on the trails, so bears hear us approaching. I may even wear a bracelet of bells to ensure continuous noise. 

3.  Under no circumstances will Zoe attempt to take pictures of a bear.

4.  This may be trickiest of all, we will not run from the bears!

5.  Bringing Bear Spray (I'm hoping REI can help us out.)

If you have any further insights, please share!