September 2005

Does the Bear S@*t in the Woods?

The answer is, YES! Just outside of our door! And anywhere else that he wants to.

About a week ago, we heard that there was a momma bear with 2 cubs in the apple trees near the Lodge in the afternoon. No problem. Then at dinner, Maury East (owner of KML) came to tell us that they had climbed the tree just outside of our cabin. It is a large willow tree that we duck under to walk to our front door. We went between the dorms, down the far side of our cabin and ducked into the screened porch. Momma didn’t like that much and started to grunt/huff. We had been told that this is a warning sound. Inside the cabin and slam the door. Lock it quick. Oops, the lock doesn’t quite lock. (Haven’t locked the door all year.) Oh well, maybe we will have time to dash to the bathroom. Oops, that lock doesn’t work either. Maybe we will just sit here quietly.

Momma did come down the tree once, when we stood in the doorway taking photos. But, she just grunted a few times and went back up the tree after we closed the door.

The bears stayed in the tree all evening. After dark, they climbed down ( with much breaking of branches ) and headed back to the apple trees for another snack.

They were trapped a few days later and taken on a road trip further north. Many bears have been seen in town lately as the dump is covering the garbage quicker than before. So, their primary food source is unavailable. And, there does’t seem to be any hunters around to scare them away this year.

We have been asked to stay at the Lodge until Oct 9th. After that, we will visit with my mom and Jeremy before heading to southern Ontario. When our plans become more firm, we will warn you. Especially if we are stopping for a visit.

Hugs to all, Heather & Murray

September Update

Hello all,

Now that things have slowed down here in Killarney, I thought that we should give you all a report on the recent happenings.

First thing that happened was the staff all left us. Our “summer daughters” all departed by Sept 4th. It was very sad to see them all leave and tears were shed on both sides. We miss them a lot especially when doing a pump-out!

Then, the End of Summer Race was held successfully on Sept 3rd. We had perfect weather, 13 entrants, many crew signed on and raised over $1500 for the Health Centre Building Fund. Our two sons showed up before the race start to crew with a very surprised Murray. They had a great time sailing the little boat and we all enjoyed the post-race barbeque.

My Mom had come up with our son, Steve. Murray’s brother George also showed up before the race started. And then Jeremy and his wife Cynthia and their son Matthew also arrived. Murray seemed to accept that they had all come for the race/weekend. Little did he know that I had planned a surprise 60th birthday party. As his birthday isn’t until Nov, it was a huge surprise. His cousin Mary, from Michigan and her husband Bill also showed up on Sat.

Sunday, Mur and I had to work while the elves (Linda and Kuyler) were busy decorating. Finally, it was time to go in for dinner. In the card room, I explained, as we were a big group and maybe noisy. We entered the card room from the outside and Murray saw the signs, balloons, more people etc! There were 17 of us for dinner that night and we had a great time. I still cannot believe that we pulled off the surprise.

The balloons, that decorated the room, migrated mysteriously into our cabin/shower that night. The next day, the same balloons were found in Linda and Kuyler’s shower stall. Those balloons travelled a lot in a few days! They even decorated the dorm room of one of the guide’s as it was his birthday on the Tuesday.

As our visitors departed, life returned to normal up here. I work in the bar in the afternoons mostly. Sometimes dining room hostess or evening bartender. Murray holds down the fort at the Boat House all alone. Some days he is very busy, with airport runs, liquor and fish pickups etc.

So, that is what is happening here.

Take care all and we hope to see you soon. We are starting to think of heading back south. Soon.

Hugs, Heather & Murray

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