We're staying at Patricia Lake Bungalows. Elk wander around the place, eating and just hanging out.
Today we drove out to Medicine Lake and came across this lovely bear, casually eating dandelions. Jack was sleeping in the car so we sat and watched the bear for probably half an hour. I've never been near a bear for that long. It was amazing.
We also saw a young grizzly bear yesterday, about ten feet from our car. The poor thing is young and spending time close to town because he's a teenager and not very smart yet. A couple of park wardens helped him out, kept the bear and the people all safe.
We met up with my daughter and her boyfriend here and are have a lovely visit with them. Jack has a crush on his auntie.
But Jack, Jack has been awful. He's a three year old out of his routine. There have been tantrums over toys, bandaids, toilets, TV and bedtime. He wanted me to buy him a $100 toy and had a meltdown over it. I carried him crying out of the store. Sippy cups and toy cars have been thrown at us from the back seat of the car and just generally a lot of crying.
I had forgotten how unpleasant three year olds can be. I know it's all part of his development but right now he is an unpleasant little person to be around for a good part of the day, and then he's his old self again.
I'm looking forward to going home tomorrow and back to our routine, back to his routine. We've had lots of fresh air and exercise. Jack's gotten to see lots of new things but he's also over stimulated and over tired. We're all tired. I'm glad we came but I'm glad we're going home and three days was long enough.
It is so beautiful up there! But from Jack's perspective he's seen a lot of car. Toddlers don't see the big picture. And he's been through so much in his short life. He feels safe with you and can let out some of his frustration, even if it doesn't seem to relate to what is currently going on. I am glad, for you and him, that you will be back in your routines. You and the big man are so good to him. x0x0x0 N2
ReplyDeleteIt looks such a lovely place. I had a look at the Patricia Lake Bungalows website. By the way, who was Patricia Lake? I am guessing she was a Canadian beauty queen. Oh dear, Little Jack!! You mischief!
ReplyDeleteMaybe he gets carsick? I mean I realise 3-year olds have tantrums and so on, but for many years I thought all car journeys were awful for everybody and I made a big fuss every time and also on the days afterwards were also awful and I must have been cranky as hell, when I eventually, at age 10 or so, was given something against carsickness.
ReplyDeleteThere's a video online of little Prince Louis having a tantrum and his mother, despite being the future Queen of England, was as frustrated-looking as any normal mother of a young child can be. I sent the link to Jessie because Levon (who is four) can certainly act the same way. It IS part of the development of children but not an especially fun for anyone concerned. Here, I think, is the link. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=384925513692278&ref=sharing
ReplyDeleteYou surely have been in a most magical and beautiful place but sometimes home is best.
We probably all have dealt with the terrible twos and threes ... definitely not fun for anyone!
ReplyDeleteThat last picture of the lake is so beautiful!
Sorry Jack was awful. Here's hoping the stage is short lived. I live next door to three year old twins, and we hear a lot of whining and yelling when they're outside.
ReplyDeleteYour last photo is wonderful, it's a beautiful area.
Beautiful photos and experiences, but oh, how well I still remember the terrors of three. People talked about the Terrible Twos, but my kids were fine until 3. Then there were many miserable days, even when they were in their routine. Hope that Jack settles down once he's hope and that you all get some rest. A vacation from a vacation is usually needed!
ReplyDeleteLucky you with that beautiful wild life. All we get here are a few squished hedgehogs. And I'm sorry Jack is acting out but hopefully he'll calm down when he's back in his usual routine!
ReplyDeleteNo more sippy cups and toy cars within Jack's reach while driving I guess. Poor little guy, every change could be the door to some now unpredictable reality, he doesn't know how to trust the new. In his experience, it has sometimes been very unwelcome. Plus, yes, he's three. It will be lovely to go home.
ReplyDeleteA stunning part of the world. Sorry to hear Jack was a handful. Old enough to know things are different, too young to be explained.
ReplyDeleteWell, you did get some good pictures out of it! I don't think I've ever been that close to a bear in the wild. I'm sorry Jack has been a problem. I think travel is hard for kids that age -- they're too young to really appreciate what they're seeing and as you said they miss their routines.
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous, but any trip with a Toddler is a Road Trip from Hell, so I understand it was the best of times and it was the worst of times. *winks*
ReplyDelete