23-Jun-2007 -- While traveling back South on the Dempster Highway from a visit to Inuvik, we (myself and Tim Wilson) parked and set out with light gear (GPS, compass, rope, snacks, water) to ford the Blackstone River and hike approximately 7 miles to the confluence point.
We had no bear spray because it's illegal to fly with it, and it was unavailable in Fairbanks or elsewhere due to trout fishing season demand. Looking for a suitable fording spot on the Blackstone, we encountered a grizzly bear mother and cub footprints in the mud. Since the planned hike was mostly along stream banks, and the bears were present and active, we abandoned the hike.