The Bear

Dear Friend,

As my family and I innocently walked among the prairie grasses of Red Rock Canyon in Waterton Park, Alberta, Canada, we were suddenly confronted by an image that no one wishes for. Directly ahead of us were the gleaming eyes of a curious, possibly hungry, black bear.

The bear was walking slowly but persistently towards our little band of explorers. The question was, who was going to give in first in this dangerous game of "chicken."

Suddenly, and without warning, a crazy lady in a flowery dress ran in front of us with a camera, apparently intent on personally introducing herself to this wild creature, or maybe just getting a photo of her and the creature paling around.

Next, and just as suddenly, an entire hoard of tourist types, cameras in hand, began charging the poor creature (for I felt sorry for it now).

The once formidable predator had now become the hunted, and turned tail and ran quickly into the distant brush.

Honestly, if I had been he, I would have run too. That lady's dress was really ugly.

That is the story of our now famous run-in with the Black Bear of Red Rock Canyon. It was a moment that I shall never forget.

All the best,

Hugh