Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1907-09-17
HAD THRILLING
OUTING IN ALASKA
Howard S. Reed,
Local Banker,
Tells of Trip
FOUGHT WITH BEAR
Bruin Came Nearing Killing
Him.-.G Greatly Benefited
By Vacation.

During their recent trip to Alaska,
Mr.. and Mrs. Howard S. Reed who
were in the city for few hours yes
terday while en- route east, had a
series of thrilling experiences. While
on board trap schooner which they
had chartered, they were overtaken
by terrific storm which continued
unabated for two weeks and they
were marOoned almost three weeks af-
terwards on a desolate island in
Behring sea inhabited only by wild
animals. Mr.. Reed who is an enthusi
astic hunter also had an encounter
with ferocious bear which he finally
killed, after twice jeopardizing his
own life.
In restrospection as they look back
upon their journey to the far north,
Mr. and Mrs. Reed are prone to con-
slider it the most enjoyable they ever
experienced. The dangers that beset
them and the hardships they endured
now that they exist only in memory
relieved the trip from a monotOnous
sameness which is too often the case
in travelling. Besides Mr.. Reed who
had taken the trip for the benefit of
his health was greatly benefited and
says he never felt better in his life.
His physical appearance does not be-
lie this statement either as he has
gained perceptibly in weight since he
was here some time ago. In relating
the experiences of himself and Mrs.
Reed who is bride Of only few
months, Mr.. Reed said:
"Our Alaskan trip was made for the
purpose of enabling me to get beyond
the reach of business cares and tele-
grams. My doctors told me ! must
have complete rest for several
months and Alaska suggested itself as
an ideal place of seclusion. Mrs. Reed
accompanied me and our first stop
ping place after leaving the states was
the Aleutian islands which are situat-
ed in Behring sea and are inhabited by
the Aleutian Indians. We spent about
a month on Kodiah island which is
one of the largest of the group and |
devoted a good share of the time to
hunting the famous Kodiak bear
which is the largest species known
and is much bigger than the Polar
bear.
"On our arrival at Kodiak island
the snow was deep and the bears
were just coming out of their winter
quarters. shot three big fellows dur
ing our stay there and have the skins
in my possession. The fur is the fin
est l ever saw and the hair Is long.
The Aleutian Indians told me how
fierce and dangerous these Kodiak
bears are, but doubted their word. |
didn't think that any bear would show
fight until cornered. One of the bears
killed and the biggest, by the way,
convinced me that the Indians knew
what they were talking about after
all.
Exciting Encounter With Bear.
II had been out hunting all day with
one of the Indians as guide and we
had not run across single bear, al
though we found any number of trails.
We were almost ready to return to
camp, when as we were working along
through the heavy underbrush at the
side of a steep mountain, we suddenly
came upon monster bear in small
open spot. The bear apparently had
his back to us when we approached
and as we burst into the clearing he
sprang up on his hind legs. He was
evidently as surprised at seeing us as
we were Of seeing him. "Oof he
growled when he realized he would be
attacked and he. charged us on all
fours.
my man and were both unprepar-
ed for this sudden encounter. The In
dian with me was wearing heavy wool
en- gloves. In his excitement to shoot
he forgot to release the lever holding
the hammer on his gun and the trig-
ger snapped. Before could pull off
my mittens the bear was almost upon
us and pulled the trigger Of my gun
with mittens on. The bullet struck the
bear full in the chest, crippling it and
1t turned a complete somersault. 1t
rolled down the mountain side and we
followed into the thick brush. After
a chase lasting about twenty minutes
we overlook the bear. 1t was cute
enough to select similar open space
for hiding place and we were upon
it again almost before we knew it.
But was ready this time and cracked
Mr.. Bruin.
"A trapper was killed on the island
last year by a bear and no trace was
ever found Of his body He went out
bear hunting and when he did not re-
turn after several days a searching
party was organized. The trapper's