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June 22nd, 2010 admin Leave a comment Go to comments

Black Electric

Chapleau Crown Game Preserve Part Ii: Black Bear

"Platform # 3" was next and it was a little more substantial. It also had a mound of wood chips at the entrance to the path and a worn walkway around it. We choose the walkway around. Only about 50 feet off the road this stand warned of an electric fence around it. We never did see where the electricity came from and I was not brave enough to test it.

The platform was anchored on four tree trunks placed on concrete pads. We had to open a gate to get inside the electric wire fence to the ladder. I guess it would offer a little protection if a black bear or moose was after you. First to climb up, my wife had to push open the trap door to gain entry. I closed the trap door when I climbed in but it did not keep the bugs out. What would I have done if we were eluding a black bear or moose? How clumsy would I have been trying to open the gate with my heart pounding and an animal rapidly approaching, only to have to close it again? Then climbing a ladder with a trap door? Would we have been quick enough? Would they still be there when we tried to leave? Up in the air like it was, the platform offered a great view of the lake, showing off the beauty of the preserve. After climbing down and closing it up, I had to stick my hand in the lake. It was cool. I would have enjoyed a swim in this lake.

There were a lot of trees, woods and lakes around so it was interesting to see the different types of flora. As we drove on the terrain changed to hilly with not as many lakes Reaching Admiral Road we turned on it. The map indicates it is a Picnic & Paddles area with a picture indicating a washroom. There were a lot of yellow and white flowers around one picnic table. The lake was pretty but the sign stated no water activity between April 1 and June 15th. Because there was no washroom we decided to return to the hotel to eat the sandwiches we had purchased from the hotel this morning.

Crossing over to the second half of the loop road we hoped to learn where we had missed it this morning. Also, it provided an opportunity to see different scenery. Soon my wife was saying, "Black Bear!" I stopped. Not wanting to take a picture from inside the car I slowly opened and closed the door. Of course when I closed the door it alerted the bear to our presence and before I could get the camera in focus the bear ambled off into the woods. There was no sign of him where we reached the spot where he had been. The woods dropped down a bank providing him with excellent cover. We had been at least a half mile away when we stopped but he looked huge. Our return trip was uneventful but we did find out where the other road came out. I do not think that there is a sign but we will check that out this evening when we return. This time we will just go to Moose Lookout and Platform #3, hoping to see more wildlife.

You have my permission to reprint and distribute this article as long as it is distributed in its entirety, including all links and copyright information. © Lloyd Mize 2007

About the Author

Lloyd Mize has retired from a full time JOB!
Currently, he spends his time as the webmaster for Christian Article Bank,
A Biblically Based Collection of Articles.
As you can tell, he enjoys traveling and seeing wildlife.
Thanks to Ann Stewart for editing this article. Please visit her website Youth MakeOver