My Live TV Experience

Who remembers our dear friend Mike Roberts ?  

He was our friendly weatherman for ions and pretty much part of my life, viewing the Okanagan CHBC News (now Global TV – Okanagan) on a regular basis, as a kid. He even had his own show segment on CHBC channel.

Way way…way back!  

Before social media was ever invented. Mike Roberts was the Okanagan social hub of our times. One day, I said to son-in-law Graham and daughter, Tianndra, it was about time Mike Roberts retired so a new fresh face could venture into the media spotlight.  

Now don’t get me wrong. 

I really enjoyed Mike’s broadcasts, but though his time in show biz should possibly give way to the golden years in the Okanagan. It wasn’t long after I said that, my wish was granted, when he decided it was time to hang up his weathering tools and look forward to golfing throughout the Okanagan Valley.

Being an avid golfer, I suspect he’s a member at one of the golf clubs. 

All happy for his retirement, I was applauded to see the runner up for Mike’s position. To my dismay, a rival broadcaster and his running mate, meteorologist Wesla Wong, were picked to continue on Mike’s legacy .

To be clear, I do NOT know Wesla Wong, but I sure know the other person. 

Flabbergasted that it takes two meteorologists to explain the weather in the small community of the Okanagan Valley, is an understatement. But whatever, maybe the two can take that extra time to actually enjoy the Okanagan. Maybe that IS their goal ?
And maybe, Mike Roberts was really superman, when it comes to being a weatherman. Meaning, he overtook a lot of responsibilities, most meteorologist’s can’t handle today, I’m figuring. 

Whatever their reason, it’s not really my concern.

But, I wasn’t at all prepared to see who the other person was going to be. The one to take over the role of meteorologist on Global TV in the Okanagan. 

You know the old saying,” Be careful what you wish for?” 

I will always remember that day. The day I saw the same man who previously embarrassed me on LIVE TV. My routine visit to the sunny Okanagan, (home-sweet-home) and here, I so happened to glance at the TV to hear the weather report. There he was, the man, Mr. Duane English. 

OMG! 

Duane English comes from Edmonton, Alberta and worked for various broadcasting companies throughout the blue-collar city. I met Duane English for the first time, while doing a “spotlight” gig about the Canadian Outdoors, from starting a fire to catching your meal, to cooking by the campfire. It was the day I was promoting my published book, ” Canadian Recipes of the Great White North.” 

The first day I met Duane English, he really did seem like a nice guy, but little did I know about this TV business. After the tight security entering the building, Duane English greeted me in the foyer with a picture prefect smile. Soon he hustled me away into his little cubbyhole of an office, giving me a quick lesson on “live” showbiz.
Being on “LIVE” TV was indeed a brand new experience for me. 

Was I nervous? 

Sure I was, but I thought the trained staff would lead me into a comfortable situation.  

Well, was I ever for an unexpected ride of my life. 

To picture it, you’re on a design set (a green backdrop) with this big TV camera remotely controlled on wheels. It was pretty much in your face – lol.  

And the lights! Wow! So many lights! 

My two 10 minute sessions on TV, were staged as such : one was inside, while the other was outside. You think you have it under control, until the camera operators says,”Three…two..one.” And then he flips his finger meaning you’re now LIVE and…ACTION! 

Now.   Just seconds before the LIVE ACTION was broadcasted across Alberta, Duane English smirks at me and quickly says,” Don’t worry, you have only 300,000 people watching your segment- RIGHT NOW!” 

Suddenly, we are ON AIR ! 

The off-guard thought of so many people watching our segment put me into an immediate “freeze up”.   A term expressed by many, who have experienced this daunting effect.   It means exactly what it says. You freeze ON AIR and anything that was in your head, immediately vanishes. You can’t speak, no matter how much you want to. It’s just not going to happen. Total anxiety quickly sets in, while the whole experience becomes a mortified feeling of devastation.

While ON AIR, we were standing by an island counter, facing the camera. Duane English began introducing me, as I stood there dumbstruck from pure fright. With his cheerful glee to the camera, he physically hits me hard on the leg with his fist (which can’t be seen on TV).

Understanding he wanted me to snap-out-of-it! 

I began to mumble some incoherent words and once again he hit my leg. Another technique so commonly used in showbiz ( in an emergency) is jarring others memory, by asking direct questions. This way they hopefully come out of the shock of being on TV. So, this is exactly what Duane did. 

BUT – his dragger eyes could have killed ! 

It worked. As soon as the ten minute session was over (and I did finally manage to explain my point of the view) the lights and camera quickly turned off, Duane English yelled at me,”What the hell was that?! Listen!  In the next session you look at me, NOT THE FU&@&k camera!” 

I was in shock, to say the least. 

This man, who I perceived as a nice carrying person turned into this viscous orangutan, spitting his words in my face! 

I wasn’t amused! 

Now I had to go outside and start a campfire, getting ready for my next segment. He quickly pointed to the stack of wood in the yard I would use, so I nodded. He told me to be ready in 5 minutes. Once again I nodded, still fuming inside by how I was treated. So I set my watch for five minutes and planned for my campfire to be burning nicely, as the next segment hit LIVE ON AIR once again.  

I planned it perfectly. 

Soon, the five minutes went by and no Duane English. I was getting really concerned after 15 minutes, as my little campfire was smouldering into nothing more then white ash. So, like anyone else, I fuelled up the fire with more wood. And I’m talking about old 2X4’s, which were nothing more then garbage wood. As soon as I did this, a crew member came running out barking orders at me to stop using up the wood. I tried to explain to him, Duane English told me to use it. This character was NOT going to listen to anything I had to say. He was outright rude! As a matter of fact I can’t use the words this arrogant ape said to me. 

I was like ok – WHATEVER! 

So the campfire turned into a smouldering pile of white ash. Soon afterwards, Duane English came hustling out. He looked at the campfire and said,” What the F&@$k is that?!”. 

 I tried my best to explain why, but to my little radar, I saw that little smirk on his face. Right there and then, I knew it was a set-up. He wanted me to fail and made sure one of his bolstering crude crew members, came out to make sure I would become a laughing stock on LIVE television. 

In fact, I was going to be publicly embarrassed on TV. 

Another girl came out to do the forward segment with me. We were supposed to roast marshmallows on a nice open fire. She looked at the campfire and looked at English. Duane just shrugged his shoulders, rolling his eyes, meaning,” What can you do with stupid?” 

I shook my head in disbelief. 

Here we were (the girl and I) roasting marshmallows on a white ash dead fire pit to over 300,000 people – LIVE! The marshmallows were stone cold! The whole experience was totally embarrassing, when the outdoor camera went LIVE showcasing this “expert woodsman” who had no idea how to make a simple campfire ! Well, that’s exactly how it appeared on LIVE TV.

It was obvious where this segment was going. 

So, mad and determined, I set out to make the best ten minute segment I could imagine. I even made it look like the girl and I were old friends from way back.  

You know – Bulls$&@t. 

After the second segment of my first TV appearance career, I really did think it was all over, being humiliated ON AIR.  Thank God there wasn’t twitter back then – lol.  To my disbelief, the Executive TV Producer phoned me up, asking if I wanted to do another couple of segments. 

I was stunned. 

Listening over the phone, I said,” Are you sure… I mean…my last performance wasn’t star quality.” 

He said,” Oh no! We received a lot of emails and they want you back.” 

“No kidding!” I said. Once again, I was totally dumbstruck! 

Well, after that I did three more LIVE quick shows of two-ten minute outdoor segments. My fans seemed to love me. The Executive TV Producer told me, the reason they loved you so much, was because you showed them what really happens to a green-horn out in the woods. My fans compared me to them.  Oh boy!  The thought they compared me to a bubbling fool in the wilderness. 

Go figure! Oh well, so what!  

I went on another couple of shows, with one explaining what really happens when you get lost in the wilderness. It’s a true precarious story, that happened to me. Using only my own determination for survival skills, I was lost for over 14 hours in the middle of British Columbia rugged terrain, with evidence of a rogue Grizzly. Doesn’t matter how experienced you are in the wilderness, strange things can happen. Sometimes you can prepare, but it’s always the unexpected that happens. 

No matter.  

My shows were a success! Soon I received a call from another possible outdoor show called WILD TV.  The Edmonton owner was interested with my segments and wondered if I be interested in doing this part time.  

My response was,”Sure!” 

But I quizzed him, if he saw my performances, and the fact, my shows were portrayed as a green-horn lost in the woods?

He told me,” Sure did! Loved it!” 

I said,”OK then. What did you have in mind?” 

He told me he was working on this new show called WILD TV and he could possibly have some of my segments on his show. It all sounded good, but when it came down to it, he decided to go with hunters perspective instead. Which is kind of sad, because I was looking forward to a career in showbiz. 

Today, you can find WILD TV in full broadcast mode.

TV is all about ratings, and I’m figuring he would get better ratings with all the hunting fans out there in Canada and United States. Mind you, today, with all the reality shows of mix-matched lives of celebrities, I figure I do well with the green-horn effect out in the wilderness.  

The irony of it all ? 

I am very experienced in the Canadian Outdoors and like all of us, you can’t always control Mother Nature and apparently LIVE TV.  Both control you!  Outdoors you can be the best-of-the-best and in a second, a precarious weather situation or rogue Grizzly bear, could place you in a pickle !  As LIVE TV goes, you better be prepared for ego driven announcers. 

Unfortunately I didn’t make the cut for my own segment on WILD TV but, who knows, maybe one day I’ll get another call to showcase my outdoor skills. 

As for Duane English? 

He taught me what lies (get it?) behind the set of TV magic.  All I can say for Duane, I wish him well and I hope he has changed his ways, being more respectful to others, when he’s not flashing his sparkling teeth ON AIR. 

That’s show biz! 

By Bari Demers – screenwriter / writer 

PS – I love the Okanagan!  Raised in Vernon BC.  Went to Polson Park Junior High School when it was still in Polson Park. High school graduation was at VSS ( Vernon Senior Secondary school) and continued on to college at Okanagan College in Kelowna. Skied Sliver Star in Vernon and Big White in Kelowna. 

The Okanagan- My Home

Cheeries in the Okanagan Photo Credit : Tianndra Demers

This is why I love BC and most specially my home, the beautiful Okanagan Valley, so much.  This time of the year, cherry season is in full bloom, as are fresh picked blueberries and raspberries.   The Okanagan offers an abundance of fresh fruit beginning early Summer (depending on weather) to late Fall, offering crisp varitites of apples and juicy Okanagan peaches. 

The Okanagan is not only about fresh fruit and vegetables, it’s also offers prime recreation, from waterskiing to winter sports, offering first class Ski Resorts. 

Secret Waterfall Photo Credit : Tianndra Demers

Above photo is a waterfall quietly nestled in the forest along your way to Mable Lake, in the Shuswap Region.

We would always fish the Shuswap River, catching Dolly Varden, Rainbow Trout, while feasting on wild Saskatoon berries.  The Shuswap River, Mable Lake and various waterfalls are via Enderby or otherwise past Lumby (west of Vernon, BC) Living in Vernon at the time, we took the Lumby route most of the time.

Kelowna, BC Photo Credit : Bari Demers

Kelowna is considered central, easy access to the North and South Okanagan.

Okanagan Lake Photo Credit : Tianndra Demers

 I was raised in Vernon, went to VSS ( Vernon Senior Secondary) then off to Okanagan College (only had one back then) in Kelowna. Kelowna was always the hub of activity while Vernon, Lumby, Shuswap and the Kootenays were considered our Outdoor Exploration Treks. Lumby used to be the place for loggers and basically some pretty rough characters, while Vernon was always this slumber quiet town with a close net community.

My parents owned the Spudnut Shop ( Spudnuts are potatoe made doughnuts that would always melt in your mouth) on Main Street in Vernon. Brought up in the life of working in a restaurant taught me the long hours of hard work. Trust me when I say, restaurant life is hard hard work. But it does have its awards too.

My granddaughter enjoying the Shuswap Photo Credit : Tianndra Demers

Be sure to put the Okanagan on your bucketlist if you haven’t experienced as of  yet.

Fresh Bluberries and Cherries Photo Credit: Tianndra Demers

Go in the summer months and experience the fresh fruits home grown, enjoy the abundance of select dining or luncheon adventures, take in the water activities at Kal and Okanagan Lake and by all means, go hiking and explore the vast beauty of British Columbia – the Okanagan, my home. 

Me and Knox Mtn Photo Credit : Tianndra Demers

 Oh – I forgot to mention.  

If you enjoy snow skiing ( like I do) try Silver Star Mountain and Big White during the winter months.   Plus, if you’re an avid golfer, the Okanagan has countless beautiful golf courses.  My favourite is Predator Ridge. Not an avid golfer, but I have played a few times.

Dirty Laundry Vineyard Photo Credit: Bari Demers

It would not be right if I didn’t mention, the Okanagan is home to world class wine vineyards, dotted throughout the prestine Valley. 

Grapes ready for picking Photo Credit : Bari Demers

This Summer, make the Okanagan Valley your next vacation spot. 

By Bari Demers – storyteller 

Go With Me

It’s official, “Go With Me” has started filming in Enderby, British Columbia, by Enderby Entertainment.

This past weekend, Sir Anthony Hopkins was discovered in my hometown Vernon, B.C.

Local Vernonettes couldn’t believe their eyes when they noticed Hollywood Star, Anthony Hopkins getting a coffee at Starbucks in the Village Green Mall, while his wife was shopping. At first, like my sister-in-law figured, it must be just a look-a-like.

But sure enough, it was indeed Sir Anthony Hopkins!

On Nov 2 2014, the Morning Star discovered, not only will Anthony Hopkins be playing the role as an ex-logger, but he’s also one of the producers. Joining him is no other than the incredible actor, Ray Liotta along with American starlet, Julie Stiles from the Bourne Ultimatum.

Of course all three actors have played many roles throughout the years, but who can’t forget Ray Liotta playing as the gangster in the movie,”Wise Guys” and Sir Anthony Hopkins as the evil character, Hannibal Lector from “The Silence of the Lambs.”

It was just in 2012, where actress Nicole Kidman and her husband, Country Star, Keith Urban were discovered enjoying a hockey game with the Vernon Vipers.

And just last year, around August of 2013, George Clooney was also seen in the Okanagan Valley, shooting the film, “Tomorrowland” by Walt Disney Pictures.

Seeing Hollywood Stars in the Okanagan is fast becoming a hot spot and we hope this kind of excitement doesn’t stop too soon.

But at the same time it’s important to give these professionals a little breathing space, so they can concentrate on their roles. I’m sure, like most Canadians, we will be polite in doing just that.

Pacific Northwest thriller, “Go With Me” is an action-drama directed by Swedish director, Hans Daniel Björn Alfredson, known for Millennium Trilogy.

The film will be based on the book by Castle Freeman Jr.

The storyline begins with a young woman returning to her hometown, who ends up becoming harassed by a crime boss. Anthony Hopkins is the ex-logger willing to help out the distressed woman.

It hasn’t been mentioned as of yet, but I’m going to assume Ray Liotta is playing as the crime boss.

It’s also humoured, the cast and crew will be filming around the small logging town, Lumby, which is the gateway to Shuswap Falls.

Growing up in Vernon, we commonly passed through Lumby heading for our fishing and hiking expeditions around Shuswap Falls.

Each filming project is a costly one, to be sure. So it wasn’t a surprise to hear about the company, Electric Entertainment will also be co-financing the project, selling international rights.

It’s my hope, with all this excitement throughout the Okanagan, screenwriters, like myself, who grew up in Vernon, B.C. will get a chance to showcase his screenplay to a famous producer or entertainment company.

Well, one can only hope – right?

As a matter of fact I’m working on a screenplay called, “Missing” based on the true story of a young hunter, up in Williams Lake, B.C. who went missing for over 16 hours in the wilderness, only to be hunted by a 800 lb Grizzly.

Just guess who the hunter was?

We have a wonderful selection of celebrities who would fit this troubling young hunter, along with a small cast of six actors.

Like all screenwriters already know, your screenplay had better be good, because, if they do come calling, it could be your first and only chance. So make it good!

Make it exciting!

Good luck to the cast and crew of ” Go With Me” including founders Rick Dugdale and Daniel Petrie, Jr., of Enderby Entertainment.

By Bari Demers

P.S.

For all those who lived in Vernon, my mom owned and operated the Spudnut Shop. My mom still resides in Vernon,B.C.

Follow me on Twitter @JRobbMontana: My neck of the woods #Okanagan #filminglocation @ENDERBYENT #GoWithMe. It’s gonna be a HIT for sure! #film #SirAnthonyHopkins #RayLiotta #JulieStiles

The photo below was taken during the Vernon Vipers game showcasing Nicole Kidman and her husband, Country Star, Keith Urban.

Travel Okanagan

In southern beautiful British Columbia lies a western Canadian banana belt called the Okanagan Valley. Twenty years ago it was considered the best kept secret until the Coquihalla highway lead a easy path from Vancouver to Kelowna, through to Kamloops, B.C.

Since then, the summer oasis has been recognized world-wide boasting visits from Hollywood Stars, such as Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban.

(@JRobbMontana: Rare photo #NicoleKidman and #KeithUrban #vernonbc B.C./ junior hockey game. Probably stayed @Sparkling Hill Resort http://t.co/1Ws7Aztai2)

But to me, the Okanagan Valley has always been my home, growing up in the small town of Vernon, with the kids from O’keefe ranch or Davison Orchards. My parents use to own the Spudnut Shop on Main Street where everyone would come for the elusive SPUDNUT (a sweet potato doughnut that melted in your mouth) and a $ 0.10 coffee. It was even said my mom made the best burgers in town!

Raised in the Okanagan I became very familiar with great tourist spots, such as Silver Star Resort, Big White (just outside of Kelowna), the turquoise bluish waters of Kalamaka Lake and the once glacier feed Okanagan Lake.

If you’re not familiar with the Okanagan Valley, it’s best to break it down to the great tourist sights, resorts and activities in each category.

In today’s Travel Okanagan I will concentrate around the surrounding areas of Vernon and Kelowna, B.C.

Best Resorts:

Sparkling Hill Resort – a 5 star hotel resort a few kilometres south of Vernon or a short drive from Kelowna International Airport. Nestled in the valleys mountainous ridge overlooking the majestic Okanagan Lake and only feet away from the famous Predator Ridge Golf Course. Featuring an oasis of Spa Treatments along with tantalizing gourmet meals at their PeakFine restaurant. You’re assured to be pampered by the best fine dining experience of your life, hosted by their European Chef.

Manteo Resort – a waterfront gem located in the heart of Kelowna, featuring it’s very own private beach along Okanagan Lake. A beautiful class resort with three swimming pools, optional lake-view rooms and Restaurant called Smack Dab offering a great selection of entrees to satisfy anyone’s appetite. Be sure to try your evening dinner on the best patio in town.

The Delta Grand Okanagan Resort & Conference Center – located right in the center of the WaterPark of Kelowna, steps away from the original Kelowna Yacht Club. Delta Grand Okanagan Resort overlooks Okanagan Lake featuring the luxury of private pools, restaurants, shops, conferences center and pubs. If you like to gamble, the Casino is easy access from the hotel.

Four Points by Sheraton – newly opened in 2013, this Starwood chain hotel is a featured little gem easy access to the Kelowna International Airport. Great for the whole family or the business executive. The best kept secret soon to become well know throughout the Okanagan.

Fun Activities:

Silver Star Resort – a long time favourite of mine with fond memories of my very first skiing lessons at age ten. Since then, Silver Star has grown into a world class resort owned and operated by the Australian family, the Schumann. Silver Star was purchased by the Schumann in 2001by previous owner Judd Buchanan. They also own Big White Ski Resort outside of Kelowna. An obvious spot for winter activities from skiing, tubing, skating or just enjoying the après skiing at the many restaurants throughout the village. Summer activities are certainly a plus, featuring mountain-biking park & excursions along the mountain, hiking and sightseeing with the SkyChair.

Predator Ridge Resort – a golfing oasis for the beginner, the novelist or expert. My experience, I found the course challenging and the most pleasing experience.

Gray Monk Winery – heading south from Vernon, you come into Winfield. There’s a couple of signs that will lead you west along camp road. Head over the hill you’ll see Okanagan Lake. The road travels around with another sign directing you to Gray Monk Winery, nestled on the hillside with a spectacular view of Okanagan Lake and the vineyard itself. What I love about Gray Monk is the personal touch added to the wine tasting in their visitor center. Just to your left is the entrance to a gourmet restaurant with a scenic balcony overlooking Okanagan Lake. Leading Chefs, Executive Winery Chef Willi Franz and Executive Restaurant Chef Rene Haudenschild prepare excellent gourmet dishes within their establishment, Grapevine Restaurant. It’s a must to try out the gourmet experience and be sure to pick up your favourite wine surely to suit your palette.

Kelowna Dinner Cruises – offers a scenic cruise along Okanagan Lake featuring your choice of Dinner, Lunch or Breakfast. A 5 star luxury cruiser accommodating up to 87 guests. It’s defiantly a great way to spend your evening.

Lake Front Sports, also known as rent-a-boat.ca is located at the Grand Okanagan Resort. You haven’t experienced the Okanagan without trying a sea-doo, a cruiser or kayaking Okanagan Lake. They even have paddle & wake boards to try out. Water a little cold for you? No problem! You can even rent a wet-suit. Waterskiing and tubing is recommended.

Families outings you must try Kalamaka Beach, a real treat for everyone. Alexander’s Pub is close by if you’re looking to wet your whistle. I just love having their burgers and great selection of beers!

If you love to camp out close to a beach, then Ellison Provincial Park is a must on your list. Great for the whole family in the Vernon area at Okanagan Lake. Even locals head to this secluded beach to catch some sun rays and swimming here is fantastic! Want to explore? No problem. Nestled throughout the park are fun hiking trails for everyone. It’s easy to reserve on-line to be assured a camping spot.

Hiking is highly suggested, from the Kettle Valley to Knox Mtn within the city of Kelowna. Or try out Kalamaka Lake Provincial Park offering a secluded beach at Cosens Bay. You can even take a boat cruise for an afternoon.

Davison Orchards – last but not all least, is Davison Orchards. When I was a kid the Pollocks and I would hang out with the Davison on their Orchard. Fast forward 25 years and Davison Orchards is a bustling tourist attraction featuring tractor-train rides for kids of all ages, complimented by their homemade fresh fruit pies grown by the selection of fruit on their orchard. We always make it a point to stop by for pie and coffee. It’s a must to pick up a jar of homemade preserves before you leave. I highly recommend Davison Orchards, hands-down!

The above Hotels and activities are a small example of the fun you can experience while in the Okanagan Valley. I have experienced all the above and had a blast doing so. Gray Monk is my favourite winery, but the Okanagan is listed with over 200 wineries throughout. A wine tour is suggested. The beaches line Okanagan Lake, so it’s pretty easy to find a beach that suits you and your family.
The best part of the Okanagan Valley ? It’s my home!

Check out more travel blogs by Bari Demers

.

Walking the Grizzly’s Path

Today’s story just so happens to be true.

Back thirty years ago or so, my friend Darrel and I were required to take the Conservation Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE) course in order for us to legally hunt in British Columbia.

Funny at the time because Darrel’s family hunted for years, past along from generation to generation within his Norwegian heritage in Prince George, B.C. But now any one who wanted to hunt was required to take this Provincial Hunters Course, which is totally understandable.

To fully understand the whole story I’ll begin by me meeting Darrel during the first days of class at Fulton Jr. High School in Vernon, B.C.
His dad had just relocated to the small town, working as a Provincial Scaling Officer. Our friendship hit it off from the get-go when it became clear we both enjoyed the outdoors. We spent most of our time hiking and fishing throughout the Okanagan and Kootenays.

After passing CORE, Darrel’s dad invited us up to his yearly hunting party deep within the Chilcotin Region of British Columbia. The group of hunters consisted a mix of old friends, relatives and new friends, like myself.

If you ever hiked in the Chilcotin, you know what I mean when I say your in the heart of B.C.’s wild wilderness carved by raging turquoise rivers and mountains featuring a variety of dense white spruce and lodgepole pine.

Our camp location was approximately an hour away from Williams Lake, with the Chilcotin River dividing us from the protected Junction Sheep Range Provincial Park. On one side you could see Big Horn Sheep grazing on the mountainous grasslands while our terrain featured eroded gullies masked in a deep green forest.

I was the proud owner of my very first rifle, a brand new semi-automatic Browning 30-06 featuring a high powered scope. Needless to say this kind of weapon requires your full attention and respect. It felt good to have learned how to operate and care for your rifle during our hunting course in Vernon. But little did I understand the experience of hunting until my trip into the Chilcotin, an experience I will never forget.

The first few days a group of us younger hunters ventured into the wilderness stocking our prey, tagged for deer or moose. With Darrel’s previous experience I was in good hands, knowingly this green horn would soon learn the skills about hunting.

Throughout the week the older hunters had their cache of deer and moose while Darrel and I were still hopeful to bring some wild meat to our families table. Early one morning, around 4:30 am, Darrel and I hop into his shiny new Toyota mid-size truck heading down one of the many whining dirt roads, eager to start our day.

We thought to check out the area where Darrel’s dad showed me the day before. Mr Colin’s was a skilled hunter surveying his terrain using his finely tune senses. It was then he pointed out to me the largest paw print I’ve ever seen reviling the unmistakable signs of a Grizzly. What made it even more dramatic then I expected, a puddly of water had just finish oozing from the indentation. Mr Colin’s nodded, looking around, never keeping his eye off from the deep forest throughout, he said,” Do you know what this means?”

I looked down taking careful note, but wasn’t really sure of its immediate threat,” Not really,” I said.

Mr. Colin’s was stern, not filching a muscle, fully armed and ready for action. Of course, there’s me, nonchalant with little worry in the whole world, not realizing the impact of the situation.

Mr Colin said in a low monotone voice,” This means this grizzly is very close and most probably watching us right now.”

Suddenly it was as if a light bulb went off in my head, my heart raced quick thoughts of, who’s the prey now? I immediately said,” Are we ok?”

Mr Colin’s calmly said,” That depends?”

“Depends on what?” Now more nervous than ever.

” Are you ready?” Mr. Colin’s grinned.

” Huh. Ready? Ready for what?” Beads of sweat began dripping from my brow.

“It’s ok. The Griz is gone. You can relax,” Mr Colin’s chuckled.

That’s when I quickly learned the importance of knowing your surroundings, keeping alert and vigil at all times. I learn later he had spotted the Grizzly in the distance, taking note of our presence and then wandering back into the cover of the forest.

The chilly morning in November left a light snow fall the night before, guiding us easy access to any visible tracks of wildlife. Darrel and I began our deer hunt, with me keeping in mind what I saw the day before. The frozen dark forest sent chills through me, even though I was properly bundled up in my red coat with the green and white crest showcasing my achievement in the Hunters course.

Drudging up and down the countless valleys on the mountain side we decided to taken a quick break, parking ourselves on an old fallen tree braced at the right height for me to dangle my feet. I removed the fresh fallen snow with my mitts and sat comfortably. We had fashioned up some gourmet peanut butter sandwiches the night before, which we gladly consumed in minutes.

It wasn’t long after we continued on our way, with me not paying too much attention to where we were. But, I knew Darrel must surely know the way out. I figure it was mid morning when Darrel quickly stopped to look at the terrain ahead. With my head down, thinking how tired I was from the early start, I nearly ploughed into him.

I said,” What’s up?”

“Oh nothing,” Darrel claimed,” I was just thinking we should do a loop around this old mountain. You go one way, I’ll go the other,and we will meet up on the other side.”

Thinking not too much of it, I said,” Yeah. Sure. I think I can do that.”

And if I had realized what was about to happen I think I should have said,” No. Not a good idea.”

Instead we went off in our separate way intent on meeting up just on the other side. I was soon to learn how quickly the forest can play tricks on you when one is not familiar with its surroundings. If you’ve ever walked in the wilderness by yourself, you know what I mean by the eerie quietness, with the only sound coming from your boot making contact on the snow-filled forest floor.

Resting for a minute, taking in a deep breathe, it was then in horror, I realized I wasn’t the only one on this side of the mountain. Four striding Grizzly paw tracks became all too clear, sending an immediate rush of panic into my senses. Carefully I scouted the area best to my knowledge, not seeing anything.

But that didn’t seem to matter, because for some strange reason I started to run with my firearm in hand, racing aimlessly through the forest. Running out of breath I stopped, thinking to myself,”What am I doing! I should know better then to panic. After all, didn’t I just take that damn course telling me exactly what NOT to do? ”

Off to the corner of my eye I noticed a couple of hunters off in the distance.

” Oh, is that Darrel up there? Who’s he with?”

Ok. Don’t ask me why, but for some reason I headed their way to catch up with them. Not realizing all this time I’m headed in a totally new different direction.

And guess what happened next?

Yup. I lost them. They disappear into the thick woods without any trace or sound. To this day I wonder if I really did see them or not? Was it possibly a mirage?

Once again I ran aimlessly into the depth of the what now seemed like a monster, than a friendly forest. Tired and fed-up carrying my now heavy rifle, it made sense to swing it over my back with the straps provided.

“Oh great!,” yelling with such force I’m sure someone is sure to hear me. I stopped to listen. Nothing, not even a squire chirping. Starting the way back, it was crystal clear I’m officially lost. Checking the time, it dawns on me I’ve been running around the wilderness for over two hours. It’s cold and becoming dark.

So, now what?

Do I swallow my pride and let the whole world know I’m actually lost? During the hunters course they taught you what to do next. Slowly retrieving my rifle, loading it with three bullets, I took a deep breathe, aimed my Browning 30-06 into the air. Squeezed the trigger and shot off three warning shots. Three warning shots alerts anyone nearby that someone is either in distressed, injured or lost. If anything I was embarrassed, even with no one around.

Here I am, Big White Hunter…lost! I lowered my head in discuss.

Placing the butt of the rifle down into the snow I lifted my head to see a huge Grizzly starring directly at me, not moving a muscle, only six feet away. I’m not sure who was the scariest, me or him.

I couldn’t move. Completely frozen.

The old Griz could have charged me and still it wouldn’t matter. Didn’t dare lift my firearm in fear it may retaliate, tearing me limb by limb into fresh hamburger. My heart felt as if it was in my throat. It seemed like hours have past before the Grizzly raised onto his two feet, sniffed the air and settled back down on all fours. The huge beast began to walk away in a slumber stance. It would have been funny if I wasn’t so scared, because it reminded me of Yogi Bear walking away from his finished picnic basket.

Thank God I wasn’t his meal for the day.

Still shaking uncontrollable by either fear or possible a sign of hyperthermia, I was determined to find my way out of here. It was then, I realized the best way to see where I am is by climbing to the top of the mountain so I can oversee the trees. The light was slowing disappearing into the shadows of a very cold night. This was my last chance before nightfall.

Valuable time had past before reaching the top, but it was like setting a new Olympic record when I could barely see the overall terrain beneath me. It was then my eyes caught the most welcoming sign of them all, a dirt road leading somewhere. Even though not knowing where this road would lead me, I knew this would be my best option. With all the hunters in this region someone is sure to find me.

Running frantically down the mountain with my firearm slung over my back, I headed directly to the lonely dirt road. Must of been a good twenty meters away when the welcoming signs of lights beamed in the darkness. Quickly aiming my rifle into the air, exploding off three shots in a row. Suddenly the vehicle stopped dead in the middle of the road. Wasn’t going to wait, I ran as fast as my feet would carry me towards that vehicle. Crashing through the woods it was clear to everyone, someone or something was coming down to meet them. The closer to my arrival I heard their inviting voices in the cold night air.

It was a hunting party of three who were finish for the day heading to their designated campsite. After a series of questions, they covered me with a blanket and squeezed me into their small cab only meant for two. But I didn’t care, the warmth of that cab was like reaching heaven. It wasn’t long and they dropped me off at my base camp, where the only person there was Mr. Colin’s. His worried look greeted me with open arms. He told me it’s standard practice for one person to stay close to the camp while everyone else formed a search party, looking for me. Apparently they even set up huge bonfires on skid landings in an effort that I would see them. Little did they know at the time I was a good ten kilometres away, completely in the wrong direction.

To this day I’m referred to as the little great white hunter that found his way out of the bush with his trusty Browning 30-06.

Of course I told them of the Grizzly Bear, but not one believes it to this day. Believe you me, if it was up to the Griz, this story may have ended badly on front of Newspapers or headlines for the evening news. Maybe it was the act of God that saved me, but whatever the reason I have the deepest respect for Grizzly Bears and wildlife all together.

I was lost for over ten hours.

Written by Bari Demers

Bari is a screenwriter for Black Angels of Sirus 5

The photo below was taken by my daughter Tianndra