We have been doing a number of one day bushwalks since the children were small and decided it was time to take the plunge and try an overnight walk. This is usually myself and my children, Sophie twelve and Euan, ten, as my husband is not enamoured with bushwalking. Sophie recently completed a three night camp for school in atrocious weather and we intentionally planned to take off when the weather forecast was good and pick a beautiful location to try to improve her overall impressions.

First ascent of Mount Jerusalem by a bearSussan Best

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Being Euan's first night in a tent, he was somewhat nervous and insisted on bringing Teddy. This was strenuously objected to by myself and Sophie, who noted that this increased weight (100 grams) was the equivalent to most of a block of chocolate and what was he really bringing to the excursion? However, Euan was insistent and swore that he would be fully responsible for Teddy.

We set out early but an unexpected road closure due to the Targa Tasmania motor rally made us four hours behind schedule when we finally arrived at the Walls of Jerusalem car park. To try and make up time we pushed hard. Sophie was nursing a knee injury and the fast pace and unaccustomed weight meant that about a kilometre shy of Wild Dog Creek campsite she was limping, so Euan and I distributed most of her weight between us. We made camp and Teddy helped to get the sleeping bags ready. That night he cheated outrageously at cards before snuggling in to bed, firmly tucked under his

Teddy enjoying himself at Dixons KingdomEuan Best

The West Wall and Lake Salome from The TempleSussan Best

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owner's arm. The following morning Sophie said her knee felt okay when it was strapped. Teddy insisted he needed to come too and was dutifully packed into the day-bag and we headed across to Dixons Kingdom under a clear blue sky with little wind and some lingering snow from a few days before.

Not one to hide his light under a bushel, Teddy was the first to pose for a photo when we arrived, sitting himself on a handy direction sign. Euan had climbed the Temple, scrambled up Solomons Throne to enjoy the view and joined Sophie to explore the pretty Pool of Bethesda. He had generously carried the larger pack with the extra weight and was tired and sore, with the earlier exhilaration of both children giving way to tiredness.

Teddy was so eager to be photographed that he forgot to remind us to collect him when we left Dixons Kingdom, and so it was that we returned back to camp, packed up and walked out without him. It wasn't until

we arrived home that we realised that the freeloader had decided to remain playing with the possums. Euan was tired, sore from carrying the extra weight and now distraught. Luckily, we had the photo and with the help of social media were able to send out an SOS. Nearly 48 hours later and although people were very supportive there was still no bear.

With the weather forecast holding, I decided to launch my own rescue mission. Euan was miserable and like any good team you can't leave a boy or bear behind. Euan also helpfully pointed out that even if I didn't find Teddy then paradoxically this would still be a worthwhile excursion, as it would mean someone else had. Armed with this logic, I set out at 5am from Launceston and unfettered by overnight gear was able to make good time along the track. I met a couple of hikers on their way out who said they had seen Teddy loitering around Dixons Kingdom hut the day before. Not long after a large

Damascus Gate, Solomons Throne and the West WallSophie Best

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Sussan is from Launceston. When not being a wife and mother (which includes SAR missions) she enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, orienteering and generally being active. She, Sophie and Euan are already planning their next walk whilst Dad is starting to wonder if he is missing out.

group that had stayed the night at Dixons hut campsite came past. While the adults denied knowledge of Teddy the youngest amongst them, with a child's unerring instinct for these things, affirmed that he had seen the bear and he was still posing for photos on the sign. Spurred on by the positive sightings of a truant, dillydallying bear, I kept moving.

The day was again perfect, light winds, clear skies and a mild temperature. At 9am I was at ground zero and sure enough there he was, albeit looking slightly sheepish for all the trouble he'd caused. A quick jaunt up Mount Jerusalem and then back to the car park, with Teddy firmly attached before a joyful homecoming reunion.

Teddy is sorry for the angst and stress he caused and has now learnt his lesson. He has promised to not add unnecessary weight to our packs in future and will simply stay home and guard the bed. He assures me that I am a certainty for the Teddy owner's mother of the year award.

Sophie, Euan and Teddy at Wild Dog CreekSussan Best