Well, since we’re leaving Lodgepole, we have to show some of the unique and fun things we’ve seen while we were here.

We really enjoyed the campers at Lodgepole – lots of friendly families, no rowdys. We loved the participation in the July 4th Bike Parade!

Don tells the kids about his ‘Name the Squirrel Program’. You see when those silly squirrels wake up in the spring, after hibernating all winter, they have forgotten their names! So, if you can get a squirrel or chipmunk to stare at you for 3 seconds, you can name them. He writes the name in the book and tells the next kids their names. Here are some of the names: Alvin, Porkchop, Adam, Mrs. Chippy, Hammy, Bosco, Bonkers, Freckles (my favorite), Cherryelle, Squirt – there are too many to list them all. I named this chipmunk Pogo because he didn’t just run, he bounced. Although, if he eats anymore that will probably stop.

Lots of deer wander through the campground. We’d usually see them alone or in pairs but was pleasantly surprised to see 4 of them this morning. We haven’t seen any bucks though.

The Young Women’s Camps have been fun. Don offers to give them a Safety Briefing when they first get here. He tells them about the local wildlife (squirrels, deer, moose and black bear) and how to keep safe around them.

This is a prank another YW’s group played on their leaders. They did it in the middle of the night. I’m glad I wasn’t awake to watch! Maybe Don needs to update his Safety Briefing?

Some parents feel like they need to bring crafts for their kids to enjoy the outdoors and we end up with paint on the cement and tables to spoil the next camper’s experience (or mine). Then there are others who encourage their children’s creativity using nature without destroying it. This pretty girl, Summer, built a Fairy House out of a log, bark, rocks, sticks and pine cones. I had never heard of a Fairy House so she showed it to me. Isn’t it gorgeous?!! It’s almost as tall as Summer. The Fairies visited it too, and left her some rings and bracelets!

Of course we will miss the new wildflowers each week and the moose!

Up towards the Canadian border, though, there will be more wildlife to enjoy including grizzly, lynx and wolves. We are looking forward to new opportunities!