Strawberry Tea

[Diane CBPFC]

I did my solo trip to civilization, visited relatives and attended a bridal shower but came home through the Rocky Mountains because it was time for me to have an adventure. I did the big corridor trip from Banff to Jasper - without seeing any large mammals at all. The next day after getting home I saw a bear again just outside my kitchen window, but when he saw me he got scared and climbed up a tree. 

Years ago they made land bridges over the roads in the parks and fenced off the highways - before this time we used to be over to pull over at the side of the road and see all sorts of wildlife when visiting the National Parks. This is much better for the animals.

I should also mention that the drought situation is better, we have had a lot of rain, things are greening up and my husband borrowed a huge tank and filled it with water (from a truck) to save my lovely sunflower garden.

[Roger Kettle]

Once again, wonderful photos, Diane. And you brought back fond memories of my own trips through the stunning Rockies in Montana and Wyoming.

[Diane CBPFC]

I hear that Trump is putting a $250 pp entry visa on us Canadians crossing the border this fall - not sure if it will go through or not because he waffles a lot. This is the first year that more Americans have visited Canada than Canadians have visited America (tariffs).

We are under extra stress in Alberta as we are lead by a right-wing nut-job who wants to separate Alberta from Canada

[Diane CBPFC]

Now they have come back for my patio tomatoes. But at least I am IN the house now.

This after scaring me half to death when I was watering the garden hidden between two beds of tall sunflowers, they just came around the corner on me (I shouldn't have been listening to an audiobook). Long story short we each of us skedaddled. 

[Roger Kettle]

That's scary, Diane. I mean, REALLY scary! It must be hugely disturbing to have animals around that will actually attack you and not just as a defensive, last resort. As I've mentioned before, the only dangerous creatures where I grew up were adders and they had no interest in you unless you stepped on one of them. I'm not sure how I would handle 800lbs of teeth and claws coming at me. It would certainly involve an expensive laundry bill.

[Diane CBPFC]

I bought two air horns today and my daughter has given me some bear spray - I really am hesitant to do the things in the garden and outside that I would like to be doing. 

This is the first year we have had troubles with bears. Not just these two but there is a mum and two cubs and perhaps two others out there as well.  I stopped throwing out stale bread to the birds after they first showed up and had no idea that tomatoes would be an attraction. 

[Roger Kettle]

I take it these are black bears, Diane? From what I can gather, they're not quite as aggressive as grizzlies but have certainly been known to attack people. That last photo of the bear staring at you is more than a little unnerving. I hope you were behind a thick glass door when you took it!