a peek inside the fishbowl

So I was at a special media preview of Cabela’s the other night. Cabela’s is a massive hunting/fishing/outdoor superstore that is opening across from the Tanger Outlet in Kanata on September 22. I was curious to see what it was all about, so I went.

As I wound my way along a freshly tarred road filled with trucks and road crews I started to wonder if I was ever going to make it. Construction workers waved me on, but I rolled my window and pointed at the building: “THERE,” I said. “I WANT TO GO THERE.” One fellow told me to squeeze between the pylons (panic issue #1) and then, with a casual wave of his hand, told me to follow the roundabout thataway and into the lot (panic issue #2).

Er. No problem.

I did manage to squeeze between the pylons but his instructions eventually had me making a 65-point turn, on what may have been a one-way street, with more pylons on one end, and gravel shoulders with a downward slope that would definitely cause some problems for me and the Prius.

Sweating, I completed my 65-point turn and made my way without further issue or embarrassment to a very empty parking lot.

As it turns out, I was a little early. No prob. I mustered up my best self, and went inside.

At this point onward it was smooth sailing.

To be honest, this is not exactly the kind of store I see myself shopping at regularly. Spoiler alert: Cabela’s carries a lot of camo and features prominent taxidermy and I’m neither a hunter nor a fisher. That being said, there was an extensive camping section, which I will definitely be checking out at a later date. I did see a product that was pretty cool, and that was the LifeStraw.

It was being demonstrated while I was there. It’s essentially a lightweight tube (it’s thicker than a straw) that cleans dirty and contaminated water as you drink it.

The demo was fun and interesting. We drank water that had been collected from a construction puddle just outside. (I’m pretty sure I drove through it on the way in.)

I can see how this tool could be a huge benefit for hikers and campers, but also travellers.

While I was at Cabela’s I tried my hand at fly fishing, checked out the decoys, and let loose a few arrows in a special area designated for their archery section. (Note to self: can I set up a mini archery range in our backyard?). There were a lot of other bloggers in attendance too, and it’s always good to connect. After I was all chatted out I was on my merry way home. As I stepped into the parking lot I wondered about the construction. Would I be able to make it out of here?

As I approached the car I was walloped by a mysterious thing that came out of nowhere. It did not BUZZ. It flapped. I immediately thought of a bat I once met in Jamaica.

It landed on the pavement, just under our car. I leaned in to take a closer look (and of course I had to obtain photographic evidence):

I think this is only the second praying mantis I’ve seen in my entire life.

Just after I snapped this photo it leapt into the air and flapped around, gradually making its way to the other side of the car. I may have shrieked. (I hope no one was watching this whole transaction.)

It was a very unique way to conclude my visit to Cabela’s, wouldn’t you say?