Chapter 3. A Close Call at Antler Falls
Some days later, all five of our bears could be seen walking along a well-trodden woodland path through the trees. Aries was lagging behind.
“We’ve been walking for hours and my paws are aching. Where are we going again?” The tired cub asked, rubbing one aching paw with another.
Her mother turned round to explain. “We are going to the big river. Today is a great day for all the forest bears and an important part of your education.”
“This is the time of year all the bears meet at Antler Falls to wait for the spawning salmon,” her mother continued.
“We are going to teach you how to catch fish.”
“Okay…so what are fish and what do I with them once I catch them?”
“They are creatures that live in the water. For a couple of weeks every summer thousands of them swim up the Big River to lay their eggs.” Her mother explained.
“And when they get to Antler Falls we will be waiting for them,” said the twins making a show of catching fish with their paws.
A thought occurred to Aries and her eyes lit up. “Hey! Can I eat them?” she asked in an excited voice.
“Of course you can eat them,” said Bor.
“That’s kind of the whole point of the exercise,” said Bru.
Aries was curious.
“Do they taste nice?” She asked.
Bor looked at her incredulously. “Taste nice? Are you kidding? Cousin, let me tell you, fish are even tastier than ants, and that’s saying something.”
“Last year we ate so many we could hardly walk.” Said Bru, while he patted his stomach fondly remembering the experience.
“Don't worry Aries. Not far to go now,” said Ethyl. We should be able to see the big river from the next ridge.
Reassured, Aries picked up her pace and caught up with the others.
A short time later, the group reached the top of the next ridge and looked down onto Antler Falls. The Big River lay below them, a series of rapids with foaming waterfalls and deep pools. There were bears everywhere, some along the banks, some in the water, others perched precariously on slippery rocks waiting for the salmon to come.
“Wow! Just look at all those bears!” Aries had never seen so many bears.
“It looks like we are a little late. Everybody got here before us,” said Gentle.