I am impressed with all the love and understanding that has been shown here.
Not having spent much time in the bush, Karin is scared of it in a general sense, the uncertainty of it, which is manifested as bearanoia. But really it is more about just not knowing what is out there and imagining things in the abscence of true knowledge. Manitoba is pretty tame, all things considered. Unless you go much further north. But thats not the point. It is dangerous in her mind. OK, so be it. We can work on that.
She is armed up with a small but non lethal array of bangers, flares, bear spray, paddles, and what not. I suppose the best idea is for us to keep tripping together. But if she wants to try to solo I will find ways to make her more comfortable. Perhaps a shared solo with separate camps so she has a fall back point. Safer areas that are devoid of bears. That sort of thing. Its all about confidence and comfort.
I keep telling her that I am probably the most dangerous thing she will encounter out there...lol.
Christy