Offday!

So, we've renamed monday Offday. And this week, it was REALLY a day off, for Abby and I at least...we got to sleep in till 9:30, then went to Cabin-O-Pines to shower. We had lunch at Dennis' house, met his deer herd, and I got some great photos. I also got to drive a 4-wheeler for the first time since I was a kid! It was so much fun, but it made me miss riding horses. Dennis took us on a tour of the area, which included stops at Vince Schute's grave and a nearby river, where, naturally, I slipped and fell on my ass. Abby then skipped daintily across the same rocks I'd succumbed to, furthering my humiliation. Typical Olivia.

We're open to the public now, and I spent our first two nights working the admissions kiosk. Good times. I can't wait to start doing deck talks, though.

I don't really have a lot to talk about, actually...We have a bear that's been giving us trouble in the mornings, she's bluff-charged and/or swiped at all three of us at some point. Dennis will probably start negative-conditioning her, because this behavior is unacceptable, not only because of the possible danger it presents us, but because she's learning that her agressive behavior will get her fed faster. We can't identify her, so it's possible she's new to the sanctuary. DON'T WORRY, MOM, I'm FINE. She'll get sorted soon enough, and we never do morning chores alone.

That's about it so far...I need stuff to hang up around my bunk, guys! Here's my mailing address again:

Olivia Hooper
American Bear Association
PO Box 77
Orr, MN 55771

I'll answer everything I get! I need you all's mailing addresses so I can write to you, send postcards, etc. I'd really like to hear from you all directly. Write soon! I want to hear about what you're all doing for the summer.

Until next time....