Thanks for the update and details James. Reporters do sometimes confuse things.  Wow, yes, three is unusual.  That's near mp 8, where I saw the bear on the trail two summers ago.  And also near that 7-7.5 mp stretch where three other riders and I watched a mama and three cubs about 200 yds to the east on the far side of the pond in that area, also summer '14.  Can't help but wonder if they're the same bears.  I've veered off the coastal trail onto the Sisson Loop once so far this year, but that's a heads up to be extra cautious there.  I'm a geezer, but sometimes go by Gerry Sanger. Pleased to meet you.  And I'm working on another name too. I'm sure we pass each other on the trail regularly.