Mark and I went for a hike Saturday morning at Franklin Canyon. I picked some trails off the road around the lake because I am always ready to see wildlife. As I walked in front of Mark on the narrow trail, I coached him on walking quietly. We played with various made-up signals that I could give him as he followed me. We were having fun.
We got part way up the main climb and I felt like turning back. "No reason - it's just the right time," I said. Mark wanted to walk back on the road. Even though there are occasional cars, it is still a gorgeous walk. I said "Well, if any wild animals want to visit me, they'll just have to come down to the road."
We chatted and walked along side by side - careless of the noises we were making. I like that word "care-less". Then Mark saw him first! "Is that a dog?" he asked as our friend darted ahead of us on the road. "No - it's a cat. Oh my god! It's a bobcat!" The bobcat stopped in the road and turned and looked at us. He had come this far and seemed unsure as to where to go next. He took a moment and then turned in the road and doubled back into the bog on the side. He had obviously accomplished his mission. He came to see us!
A guy coming onto the road from a path near the bog saw him and was startled. He said something about "dangerous". I had not felt any concern about safety. I had just felt special!
We stopped at the ranger station to report our visit and the ranger was amazed, both at the sighting and at the location.
Fun times!
