Tales from a wild life in the Rockies..

I thought I’d drop a line to tell you how one of the 3 Cosmic Canadian contingent is getting on. I left Scotland in May and am now based in the Rockies in a place called Canmore, not too far from Banff, but much quieter and less touristy. Very few races to report on, but plenty of runs – most involving some elevation gain as you might expect, some rather nice trails and awesome (for full effect say awwwwwsum) views. A rather nice if brutal hill path starts from behind the house. 1500m elevation gain in 2km. However it’s the wildlife that adds a new dimension – especially at this time of year. Several recent events have added excitement:
The neighbour’s cat was eaten by a cougar (aka mountain lion). It came back later (in the night) for the dog (a rather yappy terrier). Dog survived.
Last Sunday – a late afternoon run. Sleet, rain and dull. Encounter with very large moose with a fine set of antlers. Hid behind tree. What the book says about moose “A relict from the Pleistocene, up to 500 kg, up to 50 km/h on the flat, can dive to 5m in swamps. Do not provoke in the fall rut”.
Walking with family in mountains last week – mother bear and 3 cubs 100m away. No problems.
Tonight’s run. Set off a bit later than should have – dusk, alone, but still a great run. Standard practice is to shout YOHO every minute or so, to avoid unexpected encounters. Returning through the woods, 10 minutes from home. Black bear ahead. I stop, back off slowly (book says “don’t run”). Bear rises onto hind legs – is 20m away. Bear spray unholstered, safety guard off. I back off quicker, then run for it once out of sight. Have to make a 20 minute detour to lower trail. 10 minutes from home again. Black bear ahead (same one ??). Repeat but detour all the way down to road – except now nearly dark. No further encounters, but very, very nervous in the gloom. No further evening runs planned out of town.

Visitors welcome. World class for just about all sports involving mountains. Summer or winter.

However I’m missing the banter and the Scottish hill races though – especially Krunces. Hill racing as such is not part of the scene here. Keep up the photos and stories on web/email.

Regards

Jonathan Bellarby