GoldenEars by Jane H Wood

Author:Jane H Wood
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Book Guild
Published: 2019-04-15T16:00:00+00:00

Max had taken the opportunity to show Sam and Bert their observation room, the centre’s pride and joy.

‘This is a one-way window, where we can observe any wildlife that wanders past without disturbing their natural behaviour. Here on our reserve, hunting is banned, although occasionally in the past we’ve had problems with illegal hunting, especially during the spring and summer months. But despite that, this a great place to watch animals you wouldn’t normally see,’ he said proudly.

They watched in amazement as a small herd of bison wandered nonchalantly past the glass, unaware of the humans on the other side.

Max was in his element, explaining about the animals that frequented the reserve, like bison and elk, as well as different species of deer, and on rare occasions moose would brave the open to feed on the grasses and shrubs, or drink in the nearby stream.

The window was perfectly placed for the best view of the wildlife, and over the years the reserve had slowly grown in popularity. Families were encouraged to visit, because education was key to Max’s idea of changing public opinion concerning hunting, though the emphasis was firmly placed on enjoyment, watching animals in their natural habitat while enjoying some light refreshments, or sitting by the blazing fire during the colder weather.

A couple of families were sitting close to the window quietly watching the visiting wildlife when a few children called out, their voices shrill with excitement at the sight of a moose that had wandered into the open to feed on the leaves of a nearby bush.

‘Let me get you a coffee,’ offered Max, walking over to the café area and ordering three strong coffees from Claire who served behind the counter.

Sam and Bert sat down on one of the bench seats and stared through the window. It was an impressive set-up. A lot of care and attention had been taken to ensure the best natural viewing of some of Canada’s wildlife.

Max placed the drinks on the table and sat down opposite the men.

‘What do you think of it, then?’ he asked, waving his hand to indicate the whole area.

‘It’s great,’ answered Sam. ‘I had no idea this sort of thing was so popular. How many visitors come here?’ he asked, still staring through the window while he sipped his coffee.

‘Oh, we get perhaps over a thousand visitors each year. School holidays are the busiest times, as you would expect. Look, let me show you to your room. You’ll all be staying together; hope that’s agreeable,’ said Max, putting his mug on the table and standing up.

Upstairs in their bedroom the two men began unpacking the few items of clothes they’d brought. Earlier that morning Sam had dashed to the shops to buy Edmund a warm, loose-fitting tracksuit, a sweater, a pair of pyjamas and some underpants for the duration of their stay.

‘Well, this is quite a place, isn’t it?’ said Bert, trying to keep his tone level. He didn’t want to antagonise his friend, but he was secretly impressed by what Max had shown them.

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