Another 4.15 am start, definitely a good way to acclimatise to jet lag!
Today we were with Ryan and as the loggers, who stay at the lodge, are away for the weekend we decided to go to the logging area and look for the Bears they had been seeing over the last week - a mother and cub and a mother and 2 cubs.
It rained and rained all day non stop so it was a different experience! Near the logging area we found the tracks of a bear so decided to follow them on foot. Ryan's dog came to - she is still young and training they use dogs because their senses can pick up bears before humans. The bear and cub was always one step ahead but we saw where she stopped clearly picking up our scent then leaving the track and no doubt doubling back behind us - which probably explained why Penny the dog was sniffing the air. We turned around and walked back finding good evidence of her change of direction - a big pile of fresh poo! Three hours well spent - great fun and we didn't really notice the soaking we were getting! We had the heaters on in the van to dry out our gear and headed off to a less muddy area for another short walk - we did see the bottom of a small black bear as it ran across the road, mule deer, a beaver dam and I had fun trying to photo a spruce grouse but no grizzlies!
I really enjoyed the day - tracking the bear even though we didn't see it was exhilarating - and a lovely hot shower when we got back ensured the heavy rain and cool temperatures became a distant memory.
Today's picture is one of her water filled prints - photographed on our return to the car.