Satisfying Life’s Basic Needs Is Often A Challenge – Even in National Parks
Shelter, plus food and water are required to sustain life.
©Bert Gildart: Long ago in a wildlife management course, I learned that all life has three basic needs. It must have food, water and shelter.
In Canada’s Jasper National Park, for some species, these needs are met, but not without some difficulty.
To acquire the much-needed water bighorn sheep must wade through a maze of traffic, and it is to the credit of the majority of drivers that most of the animals survive.
As we watched, virtually all motorist slowed down, even the huge truckers. In fact, one stopped and moved clear off the road while the herd crossed. That’s probably something you don’t often see.
TRIP’S END
Our fabulous trip to Alaska has ended and though we’re off the Alcan, the drive from Jasper and Banff back to Montana is often one of the most rewarding.
Last year, about three weeks later, we were here when the elk were deep into the rut. Right now, Canadian campgrounds are still filling, but with children back in school, that will soon taper off, leaving only the more dedicated nature lovers.
However, we’re anxious now that we are back home to sort everything out. I have a number of stories I must soon complete for various magazines, and the front end of our Dodge is making a ticking sound, which could well be the U-joints.
Our Airstream seems to have weathered the drive, but we’re anxious to give it a major cleaning. As well, the left hand side of our sofa, which I use in combination with the swing-up table as an office, has lost its elasticity. The local furniture shop says they can replace the springs.
Threading traffic after satisfying need for water, sheep hope to safely return and find cover, one of the other two basic needs needed to sustain life.
In several weeks we’ll also be checking out fall colors in Glacier National Park, pulling our Airstream to the park’s east side. From all reports, this could be a banner year.
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THIS TIME THREE YEARS AGO:
*Bay of Fundy — World’s Most Extreme Tides
September 17th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Welcome Home!
We’re so tempted to pack up the Cstream and come to Glacier.
Best to you both and let us know when God calls . . .
September 17th, 2009 at 7:16 am
God is calling right now, telling me that we need to link up this winter and travel the Camino del Diablo — and search for the grave site of Edward Abby.
In the meantime, come to Glacier…