May 16th: Silvertip Hole #14

Silvertip Hole #14 -- 598yd Par5 Handicap 1

Silvertip:
Score magazine's public choice for the #1 course in Canada is Silvertip!

(Reminds me of the Quarry, but with mountains)

Tripadvisor showed a perfect 5star rating on all reviews of this course (until some went off on it for no reason). Some reviews are as follows:

>>Pretty exciting golf course! Beautiful views, great condition, big elevation changes. A little tough on some of the tricked up holes, especially #1, but overall an excellent experience and a good value. I've played Ko'olau in Hawaii, the toughest North America course, and this was no where near as difficult.

>>One of the top 2 beautiful golf courses I ever played. Was there on August 3, 2007. Played Silver Tip, Stewart Creek, and Banff Springs courses twice each over 4 days. Silver Tip and Stewart Creek were mountain courses with dramatic elevation changes, sidehill lies, and dramatically beautiful vistas on every hole. Thoughoughly enjoyable.

>>I love this course. In the height of the summer the sun stays out until past 9PM which makes the twilight rate a very nice option. Spectacular views make this the best course in the area. Definitely the one to pick over Stewart Creek or Banff Springs if pressed for time.

Bear Week:
It is extremely rare for a bear to attack a person with its claws or teeth. Even if an encounter looks potentially aggressive, usually the bear will move away. If a bear does attack, it will be because the bear feels defensive or because its behavior has become predatory. If the bear is feeling defensive, it is usually because it has been surprised. He or she may have been protecting or feeding cubs and sees you as a direct threat.

-If you have bear spray, use it according the the instructions (more soon to follow)
-If a bear makes contact, play dead. Usually this is enough for the bear to decide to walk away.
-Lie on your stomach with your legs apart, making it difficult for the bear to flip you over.
-Keep your backpack on to protect your back (thank you john madden)
-Cover the back of your head and neck with your hands.