We’ve heard from various sources that parts of North America and Europe are suffering some extreme heat. My brother returned home to the borders of sultry summer WV and Maryland earlier this week after a great visit with us. Well, we thought it was great, but I swear he was muttering something about Canadian cold weather and asking why he couldn’t have had mist or drizzle, but not mist and drizzle? Is there a distinction? He got to hug a mountie – no photos, I wouldn’t do that to him – and that must have thawed him out a little?
On our various trips out and about, he saw a fair number of black bears from the car. Just as well, because on the bear sightseeing tour we took out of Tofino, for a long stretch of the trip it appeared that bears were not going to make an appearance. My brother huddled inside the bright red Canada hoodie I gave him, looking the picture of happiness (again, not a photo I dared to take) and staring out at the blissfully cool (cold?) conditions we’d been blessed with. OK, it was throwing it down, and a bit chilly with the viewing windows open, but if you won’t wear the proffered toque (he still has hair to worry about) how can you stay warm?
Eventually, bears were spotted and the rain eased enough to get a photograph or two. My brother shot a short video of a bear running along a log to cross a small channel that he’ll enjoy showing to friends and other family. I’ve no video, but here is that bear:
I love heading out on the bear spotting tours – not a patch on an adventure we had a couple of years back with Wayne at Tofino Photography, but always fun, rain or shine. The trees, the water, the mist, the mountains, the bears and eagles, are a delight every time, and a chance to soak up the special atmosphere and sense of place this corner of the PNW has.
Once my brother was safely perched at a bar counter after the bear trip, he was a happy boy. He returned the unused toque, and the rain heavy hoodie that had soaked up a fair bit of atmosphere – it was dripping with it – and asked why we were sitting in a place called Wolf in the Fog? “How would you know there was a wolf? Should be called Is there a Wolf in the Fog? It’s too bloody foggy to really know!”
He’ll just have to come back for another visit, and we’ll look that much harder. The hoodie will have dried out by then…
Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
Moody photos and they do have a beauty to them. It calls for a softly crackling fireplace, a cozy chair and a hot drink. I don’t think your brother appreciated it so much and if it gets warm and sunny where you are I am not sure you should send that picture. Heh Heh.
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Thanks, Jane! When it turns rainy on the coast, it feels more like fall than summer, that’s for sure. I think my brother appreciated the different beauty of a rainforest, but it isn’t his favourite environment!
Was very sunny today (now he’s gone!)
Hope you’ve had a good weekend!
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Wonderfully atmospheric photos. I’d love to go out on a bear spotting trip, sounds exciting (from the safety of a car of course). Have a fabulous weekend. 🙂
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Thanks, Miriam! Yup, it’s always fun to spot a bear, if you’re in the car or on a boat. Hiking, it’s still exciting, but for me, a little too exciting, even though they’ve always run away. So far!
Hope you’ve had a great weekend!
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I’m too happy over being one step closer for the chance for England and France to play in the finals, but I could almost cry over your beautiful weather after the week we had!😁 I would happily trade a little of our blinding sunlight, intense heat and humidity for a little of your mist, drizzle and actual hoodie weather. The bears need a name and Kane sounds pretty good! Loved the shots of the bears and the Where Are The Bears photo. Sounds like you had a great week and your brother may never admit it, but he was probably missing your weather a little when he returned home. Enjoy your weekend and celebrating the great win by England!🙂
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We were cheering Russia on, and felt a little sad for them, losing on penalties (England fans have suffered many times in a penalty shoot out!)
Kane is a great name for a bear (or Maguire?!)
We are enjoying some warm sunshine and calm before winding ourselves up for the semi finals this week – what excitement, and maybe, just maybe, your picks will come through for a France-England final…
Hope you’ve had a great weekend, with sunshine and little humidity!
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