Black bear at Prince Albert National Park (©2022, Deborah Clague).
A fork in the road presented itself today. Take the main highway that I was used to or the longer unknown route. It was frigid, rainy—even, at times, snowing—and the roads were pretty deserted. Few were venturing to lake country as the weather was too cold at this latitude north. But I needed a break. I needed to get out of the hibernation in my home and so I was determined, come hell or other unfavourable conditions, to make my way to Prince Albert National Park to relax, breathe in the fresh air and do some forest bathing.
I decided to take the unknown route and was met with two black bears in the span of five minutes. I put my hazard lights on and observed the first one for awhile, wild and free. Hungry after a long winter. And perhaps a bit curious.
As the bear approached my car, I slowly drove away and they followed me for a bit.
Always take the scenic route.
Bear no. 2, Prince Albert National Park (©Deborah Clague, 2022).
Waskesiu Lake, Prince Albert National Park (©Deborah Clague, 2022).
Wood carving, Prince Albert National Park (©Deborah Clague, 2022).
Visitor outside my cabin. About a dozen elk hung out for a bit (©Deborah Clague, 2022).
Herd of elk passing through, Prince Albert National Park (©Deborah Clague, 2022).
