Howdy Beaver
By Alkali Springs Correspondent
Out our way, the raccoon problems continue to mount. We did get one live trapped and delivered far away, but there must be at least one or two still around and they raid the bird feeders each and every night. It is unbelievable the amount of bird seed that a raccoon will eat, not to mention the suet if we are crazy enough to ever leave any out over night. Not only that, but they snarf every bit of the peanuts up that are left over from the blue jay and pheasants. And still they are hungry and go around looking for more. They go up on our balconies and around the house, sniffing and grunting at night.
And if that was not enough, last night we stayed out there with our dog. Well, we had to leave early in the morning and noticed when we got to the car that the dog wasn't with us. It was just getting light, but we could not see the dog so called and called. Saw or heard nothing, until finally we heard a fierce barking over by the lilacs. We turned to go over there and saw a big raccoon, just standing there glaring at the dog and the dog barking his fool head off. We got the dog into the car quickly and then went back to see the raccoon. We hollered, threw a log, and nothing we could do would get him off his spot by the lilac bush. That made us determine rather quickly that the animal must be sick. So next time we head out there, we still may have that sick raccoon to deal with. This just has been the spring from hell when it comes to raccoons and it is not getting any better. More about that later.
Even with raccoon troubles, it is getting so nice and green, and there are so many wildflowers out that Beaver Creek is just a good place to spend some time. If you are troubled, tense and out of sorts, just spend an afternoon at Bear Paw Lake looking around and hearing the ducks and geese, and you will find that you are cured of even the most disagreeable of days. Bear Paw Lake is just a great attitude adjustment area. Try and see for yourself.
A couple of weeks ago, we took a Wesley group from Missoula on a tour of the mountains. Weren't they surprised to find out that this part of Montana is not all flat! First we drove over to Brother Van's church in Hungry Hollow and they had a church service there. Later we took them to Rainbow Falls on upper Beaver Creek, and after a good Bear Paw lunch of beans and hot dogs cooked over the coals, they all walked to the top of Mount Otis and back.
Remember those young people were from Missoula where they are used to seeing peaks, forests, meadows and streams. But they just simply raved about our beautiful Bear Paws. But then we should not have been surprised because most folks do. Anyway, it was a good group and a fun day showing those western Montana kids what we love and cherish so much on this side of the Rockies.
