The first week of September, 2015
From the heat in Merida, I arrived in way colder temperatures in Canmore, Rocky Mountains, Canada. I have been very lucky to get a house sitters job for a month in a gorgeous home, right on the Bow river and in between the mountains. I feel very privileged that the owners trust me with their beautiful home and their lovely dog. The view is amazing and even during the first days, when it was pretty cold and cloudy, I just enjoyed the wonderful view from every window, the light which is different every day and every time of the hour and the amount of wildlife passing by in the back garden. Here, you are one with nature and you have to respect the habitat of the animals, as they sort of mingle with the inhabitants of Canmore and all the other places in the Rocky Mountains.
I also feel so very happy, as I finally get to see my son, who lives in the next village Banff and I haven’t seen him for way too long, one and half year……..He and his girlfriend choose to live in one of the best places that Canada has to offer, especially if you like the “outdoors”, as they call it here. The opportunities for hiking, cycling, camping, mountain climbing, water sports, skiing, snow boarding and many other sports are unbeatable in the Rocky Mountains.
During the first days, I get connected with the dog (which is easy!), find my way in the house and into town, enjoy some hikes and buy extra warm clothes from the second-hand store, as suddenly it is snowing!!! Not normal for the time of the year, but in Alberta you can expect snow at any time, as I understood. Tomorrow we might sit in the sun again and put our shorts on. I noticed when walking in town, that many were not prepared for this weather on this long Labour Day weekend, as most of the people were indeed still walking in shorts and on sandals, while it was only 3 degrees 
Celsius!
On the day of arrival, the 31st of August, I just came back from a small hike with my son and the dog and somebody noticed a black bear in the front garden of the opposite neighbours, indulging itself on the crab apples. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Here I am standing, just freshly arrived from Toronto and looking at this bear on a few meters distance. The camera was ready on the table and my son had enough courage to approach the bear from quite close. By that time the whole neighbourhood was standing on the road, but it didn’t bother the bear, as long as the fruit was still on the tree!
The next day, a Bull Elk, came crossing the river, when walking the dog. Too bad my camera was still at home, but after delivering the dog safe at home, I went back with the camera for some pictures on a distance, as they can be aggressive, especially during mating season.
The day after (how lucky can I be…), a whole herd of Elk were having supper on the bushes in the back garden. Once the Bull Elk arrived, he called everybody and they moved on. What a special sound that was; something between a cow and a horse!
In the same week I saw two coyotes; one while turning the car on a quiet street and one in the back garden again. From now on, I always will have my camera with me!
