Is that a Bear!

Panorama of my out and back run

I expected to see a fair amount of wildlife upon moving to Montana, and I have not been disappointed. As bears, even grizzly bears, are often present in this part of the world, I have been a bit nervous to venture very far when I run. I like to think I am brave, but I have my limits. Bears are on my list of limitations!

I have committed to yet another relay this summer and so I must train. I use that term loosely, as training has been a bit difficult this year partly due to my move, a small injury, wind, and mostly – bears! I have not yet seen one, but I am certain they are just waiting to eat me!

I recently found myself on a run with my music in my ears, eyes upon the road, and feet pounding the pavement. As I had not yet seen a bear, I was confident and cautious. The longer I go without seeing a bear the less likely my chances of encountering one, right? Not only have I not encountered a bear, I have yet to find a running buddy in Montana. I hope I find a buddy before I find a bear.

Anyhow, back to the story …

I was about a mile into my planned long run when over my left shoulder I heard a commotion! Yes, I thought it might be a bear, just waiting along the roadside for me so that he might consume me for lunch! Startled, I did a kind of hopping motion to the middle of the road and gave a quick look over my shoulder.

Nothing.

All was still except for some irrigation water slowly flowing through a Montana ditch (larger than a Treasure Valley ditch but smaller than a canal). Relieved, I investigated further and discovered a kind of burrow about three feet above the water line. I resumed my run which was less than impressive. I think the quick surge of adrenaline and my investigative pause sabotaged the rest of my workout. Alas, I have a few sabotaged workouts of late.

The out and back course gave me an opportunity to look further into the mystery. Upon my return to the site, I could see something in the burrow. As I neared, a large fur bearing water mammal of some sort dove out of the burrow making a big splash in the ditch below and swimming swiftly under the bridge upon which I was standing. This was the same noise I had heard earlier. It sounded like my friends doing cannonballs off the diving boards at Lava Hot Springs! (Okay, perhaps not THAT loud.) As usual, I was slow to retrieve my camera and I missed the opportunity to photo document the experience. Here is a picture of the burrow.

The burrow or den

 When I returned to the refuge of my home, I Googled “mammals of Montana” and determined that it was merely a river otter diving for cover from this fierce runner lady!

Still, it startled me. And it COULD have been a bear.

I think I need a running buddy – badly!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!


Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Returning to my Roots

One year-old Running Granny Green

Several decades ago a baby girl was born in the Golden Triangle of Montana along the Eastern Front of the Rocky Mountains not far from the Canadian border. Her family moved away in her first year of life and she never expected to return – yet here I am! Much like a salmon returning upstream I find myself residing only miles from the place of my birth! Who would have ever foreseen this? I truly am returning to my roots!

My Montana Home

In the past weeks and months, I have been occupied with packing and unpacking boxes, purchasing and selling homes, saying goodbye to dear friends and making new acquaintances, and simply adjusting to life on the other side of the Continental Divide!

There are bears here! There are also antelope, deer, bald eagles, pelicans, bats, Canadian geese (of course), and the occasional river otter. The river otter is subject for another blog post. I have yet to spy a bear, but my better half spotted one on the way to work recently. I was both frustrated and jealous. Jealous that he saw one before me and frustrated that I may, indeed, need to carry bear spray!

The wind blows – a lot! I have learned that if I am going to run regularly I will have to brave the wind. I’ve done my share of complaining about it in the past. How silly of me!  Treasure Valley winds cannot compare.

I have a lake! Well, its not my own private lake, but its about a half mile from my house, so its kind of my lake. But there’s bears, so …  And lots of wind, so … white caps! However, it gets so cold here that the lake freezes over in the winter. I may be ice skating again!

Huckleberry ice cream! Enough said.

Lake Frances at sundown

Some things that haven’t changed …

My cinnamon rolls. Once I located my bread machine I was back in baking mode. They turned out just right!

Laundry. That never changes!

Interesting friends. Wherever I go there are good people to get to know. Although I miss my friends from the “Old Country,” I know they will forever be in my heart and in my phone contacts! I’m looking forward to getting to know my Montana mates. I have not yet found one who wants to run with me. Tragic!

Running and injuries. I’m fighting a foot problem right now. I guess I’m still learning to have patience. At least I have an excuse not to run in the 25 mph winds today!

I will be sharing more of my adventures in coming weeks. Watch for things returning to Montana (besides me), my view from Valier, escape from a river otter, and more! Until then, remember to embrace whatever opportunities for adventure come your way. Who knows? You may also get an opportunity to return to your roots.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!


Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.