The Bear Flag

 Remembrance of Animals Past

Bear Flag: photo by Cliff Hutson

The California grizzly bear (Ursus arctos californicus) is the official state mammal of California. However, the only grizzlies left in the state are on our State flag, t-shirts, and coffee mugs. The last one is said to have been killed in 1920 in the western San Fernando Valley, though accounts vary.

 The "Bear Flag" became the official state flag in 1911. It is based on the banner of the short lived (about three weeks) Bear Flag Republic which was formed when American settlers wrestled the area from Mexico during what is known as the Bear Flag Revolt. 

Where I Have Been

States I Have Visited

visited 11 states (22%)
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You can call me limited in scope if you wish, but I have seen most of what I have wanted to in these United States.

There are three places I still hope to get to visit:

Martha's Vineyard - to stop in at The Black Dog;

Seattle, WA - to see the Filson flagship store, and:

Chicago, IL - my late wife loved this city and wanted to take me there, but I never made the time to do it.

General Grant Tree - Kings Canyon National Park