At the top of the Lake Louise gondola we decided to explore a trail. However, @shepherdmanswife took one look at the steep track, and decided she was not up to the climb. The trouble was that the trail was in bear-country, outside of electric bear-proof fencing, and a sign at the exit gate “recommended” groups of four or more, with bear-spray. No-one else came to the gate, and so I eventually decided that I would be fine on my own. Thanks to an earlier presentation I knew what to do if a bear attacked. In the case of a defensive attack, keep still and quiet. In the case of an aggressive attack make a lot of noise. It was not clear how one could differentiate between a defensive and aggressive bear, which was not overly helpful.
The track was steep, and it was a breath-taking climb through open countryside – bears would have been very visible. Nevertheless I scrunched the gravel loudly under my feet with each step. Not that I was apprehensive in any way, you understand.
The route branched off of the gravel track, along a narrow path through trees. I had seen no-one since I left the gondola compound, which was now out of sight below me. I considered either turning back, or continuing on and singing loudly. But since, as I am sure you understand, I wasn’t apprehensive in any way, I carried on without singing. But I did clear my throat loudly just a few times, just in case.
The path opened out onto a cliff edge with a nice view, although it must be said it wasn’t a lot different from those from the securely fenced gondola area below, apart from one rather rocky aspect. Nevertheless part of the point of the exercise was, well, the exercise.
This sounds like the instructions we get for a moose in the road. If you can't afford it hit it in the rear to keep the horns from coming through the windshield. Yeah a moose in the road and I'm going to have that kind of rational thought. Glad you didn't have to decide which to do either. (So far I have avoided moose, though I once ran over a horse that was already down.)
You are a brave man sir! I was really freaked walking the paths, especially as my other half is not the greatest conversationalist..... I took to singing, loudly...which is not my greatest skill! - you have captured a beautiful landscape.
