Waterton ~ Beauty or The Beast

[hairyconiption]

Although as a young child, I hear that I have visited Waterton Park many times, I have no memories of the place until this last summer. I spent some time in Southern Alberta, bemoaning the fact that it wasn't Southern B.C. Missing lush trees and vegetation, but also enjoying the green rolling hills and the countless inquisitive prairie dogs. So it was a huge shock and Joy to behold the incredible and instant splendor of Waterton. Usually when you are headed to a stunning gallery of Natures best artwork, you see it all a long the way. However, this was something different. Right up until we got into the park, I was wondering why we were even bothering to go, and see more of Southern Alberta. And then all at once, it changed. The rolling foothills were covered in emerald green jewels, Maple, Pine, Cedar and countless other trees started melting togeather, as we neared the little village of Waterton. As we rounded a bend, we Saw the Perfectly Situated Prince of Wales Hotel, and the scene became magical.
That is the beauty part.
Here comes the beast.
Instantly upon entering the town of Waterton, you notice deer. LOTS OF DEER. And they are not all the healthy bambi type either. While the majority are healthy and graceful, there are still a lot of them. And with no natural predators, the herd needs to be culled a little bit. These deer are a main part of the attraction to many people, but to me. There are just to many of them. Like the park is showing off or something (plus they aren't nice deer, they will attach if threatened as the BIG YELLOW signs EVERYWHERE warn you). There are enough deer to make a horror movie about them.

Overall, though, the 5% of Waterton that I have had time to view, was incredible.