"My Dog Bailey and I set off for a 3 day solo trip for my 30th Birthday. Started day one from the Paradise Meadows Trailhead to Lake Helen for a mosquito infested night, but a beautiful night. Day 2 set off for the Summit of Mt Albert Edward 2094m in great conditions. Once we reached the Summit the weather started rolling in so we descended down the same ridge and quickly found our way down to Circlet Lake and back to Helen Lake. Day 3 packed up for an early start and headed back to the parking lot, but not without some excitement on the way back. Walking along with Bailey on a leash (good thing) we came across a Female Black Bear and her 2 cubs. Watching intently she crouched down while her cubs went up the tree. I thought I was in big shit at this point but I talked slowly and softly and crept by at a safe distance and once I passed her I hiked very fast up the steep switch backs and safely back to the truck. Successful trip!" — karlakuharic • Aug 4, 2006