Note: Other than a few minor and inconsequential variations, Day 11 would also come to pass in basically the same manner from daylight until dark as did Day 10.

Since the chocolate bear failed to materialize during daylight hours on the previous afternoon, Bob planned on getting to his stand long before first light.  At 4 a.m., Monty cautiously opened the zipper on the front of our tent and whispered to Bob that it was time to go.

Since being awakened by Bob’s departure, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to add a little more wood to the fire.  With the wood stove now pumping out another round of soothing heat, I once again returned to my sleeping bag for a few more hours of sleep. 

After dropping off Bob, Monty shook off the cold and followed my lead by taking refuge in his own tent.

I thought to myself, “Man, I sure wouldn’t want to be an outfitter on this morning.  Dang, it’s cold outside!”

Our second wake-up call of the day came in the form of a group of overzealous, chirp-happy birds and the unrelenting growl of hunger pangs.  This morning I would again check bait sites with Monty and Nolan for feeding activity following another hearty, all-you-can-eat breakfast. 

After several hours of visiting and checking all of the baits, except for the areas that Bob already occupied and that Jim and Darrel had claimed, it appeared that I was destined to become a professional fisherman on this particular trip.  It seemed that I would be spending the rest of my days in Manitoba fishing.  However, since time was quickly running out, both Monty and I agreed that I would return to my bait site for the last two days of the hunt no matter if it was being hit or not.  Hopefully I would get lucky and have a nice bear wander past.  The only admendment to this plan would be if another bait site got hit and mine did not.  I would then jump over to the bait with clear and obvious feeding activity and immediately hunt the area. 

More succulent fish fillets were added to our dwindling supply by the end of the day.  Although the fish cooperated, the bear certainly did not.  No one saw a bear, including Bob, who sat all day, and Darrel, who sat most of the afternoon.  Nevertheless, Jim happily informed us that his site had been hit again, but the bear continued to exhibit an elusive approach to visiting the area. 

Another inviting campfire and appetizing late-night supper was enjoyed by all before going to bed.