The condo was nice, more expansive than expected but still very much like past visits to the mountains. The weather was warm but not hot and the evening twilight gave the place a calm feel.

The entryway to the condo was on the first floor with an enclosed flight of steps leading up. Two balconies provided peaceful places to enjoy the surrounding mountains, one extending off the living room, the other off the master bedroom. A fireplace remained unused, and generically rustic furniture was scattered around.

The bear was larger than normal and was able to splinter and destroy the downstairs entry door without much difficulty. Its primary problem was getting up the narrow stairwell made for humans. It was so large that it had to squeeze up, and this angered the already frantically ravenous beast. I could sense it growling and clawing its way up the stairs.

I wasn't too upset as yet. Bears were to be expected in this mountainous area. The outside trash bins were locked down with a heavy metal locking mechanism that prevented bears from gathering to feed in one location. Signs warned not to approach bears as they foraged in the woods nearby. Besides, this bear had not actually entered the condo proper as yet.

Nevertheless, an escape route was planned, and others in the condo (there were others-- several others that appeared not to have names but bore vague resemblance to people I know), we beginning to head for exits. The only real exits were the balconies.

The bear reached the top of the stairs and began wreaking devastation; it tore and smashed anything it could with its huge claws. It was huge, filling most of the room. I remember wondering if it was a black or brown bear and concluding it was a brown bear because of its ... brown fur.

Huge teeth raked across someone's flesh, and there was blood. This got me moving as panic set in. The bear focused and came after me as I fled the room. Nothing stood in its way, it was bigger than a pickup truck and smashed or deflected everything. I think I was screaming but don't remember well, the scene was muddled. The bear reached out and its claws raked the flesh of my arm and hand, causing blood to stream out in rivulets. It's jaws were spread wide exposing teeth that looked small in comparison to the animals bulk, but were probably several inches long and could probably crush my skull.

I was on the balcony off the master bedroom, and flung myself over the railing, hanging for a moment before accepting the drop and possible injury. This gave the bear time to crash through the glass doors to reach me, and it once again reached out and was able to rake claws across my hand just as I let go and fell to the grass below.

There was a gathering of interested neighbors outside. People from adjacent condos had come out and were standing around, observing the ruckus. I wondered if they would do something about the bear, but they didn't seem concerned. Their reaction was more of casual interest. Bears were common, and to be accepted.

I wandered down the small street in front of the condo. Just as I got to the gate of the community, I woke up.

Strangely, I think I am more afraid of bears now than I was during the dream. Glad I have my Bear Gun with me.

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