The first and last time I was in a canoe, it flipped over and I watched one of my oars go bye-bye down the river.
This time was different. I’m on an alpine lake with little current, but the water is frigid. Learned Fear made my every movement slow and dreamy. But the turquoise lake from glacial melt and surrounding snow capped mountains quickly took away any apprehension I had before my canoe launched from the dock. My camera shuttered away and I was giddy with delight. I hear nothing except birds and the lapping waters as I paddled.
My movements were still slow and dreamy, but I was armed with a shrilling distress whistle which, thankfully I did not have to use.
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The first and last time I saw a bear, it was a mama and her cubs in Yosemite National Park. With the rushing Merced river between us, I felt safe.
This time was different. I’m in Grizzly country, where venturing out sans bear spray would be foolish. Bear sightings are a regular occurrence and occasionally even in town, however bear attacks are rare. But will a can of bear spray really deter The Boss, or any bear for that matter?
The Boss is a large resident Grizzly known for his size, eating a small Black bear, dominating his rival Grizzlies and survived after being hit by a train twice. He forages along the rail tracks as grain and other edibles falls off the train. He’s learned to get out of the way now when he hears the train whistle.
The Boss has awakened from his Winter nap and he is well on track to his full size before hunkering down in his den again in November. I am content looking at him through YouTube and social media.
He is one boss I don’t want to answer to, but I was armed with bear spray, which thankfully I did not have to use.
Canoeing on Lake Louise
Morraine Lake also have canoe rentals.
Vista of Morraine Lake
Lower Falls at Johnston Canyon
Morning at Lake Louise
This isn’t a photo of The Boss but I think he comes close. To see photos of The Boss , Google: The Boss Banff Bear.
Art installation along the Bow River trail
Johnston Canyon
Along the Trans Canadian Highway, there are over a hundred (and counting) animal over passes and under passes allowing wildlife such as bears, elk, lynx and many other animals to safely cross the highways. They have proven to significantly reduce wildlife fatalities struck by cars. To encourage and train animals to use the over pass and under pass, fencing is placed along the highway within a mile or so. Read more on Canada’s animal crossings at https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/07/04/americas/grizzly-bear-wildlife-crossings-c2e-scn-spc-intl
View of Downtown Banff
Game & exotic meats cooked over hot stone at our table. Clockwise from top: yellowtail, alligator, kangaroo (substitute for rattlesnake since it was unavailable), ostrich, buffalo, venison, and frog leg in center.
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