On Safari for the Ultimate Starter's Kit!

[nick1091]

DAY 1

Saturday. Daddy-Daughter Day.

Unfortunately, due to my job, I'm only able to get just a scant three hours or so in the evenings to hang out with Emily, my 4 year old little girl. Normally, D-D-Day involves a nice breakfast, some errands running, a "fun" trip to the pool or the playground, and plenty of laughs along the way. Not this Saturday.

Call it a needed change of pace. Call it a break of the routine. You can call it my daughter's absolute love for Dora and her exploring (or her Dad's remarkable acting prowess in masking his brain-screaming reaction to the irritating theme song) but this Saturday we'd be going on a real life adventure.

Kind of.

What Emily thought was a "safari" was really just going to be a glorified nature hike. Our Northeast location (and her propensity for frequent stops) limited our expeditions, so this wooded enclave was about as "roughing it" as we were going to get. I figured we'd do some hiking, see some birds, and have a neat story to tell.

Maybe I'm just pessimistic by nature. Maybe I shouldn't have just smiled and nodded as the kindly old shopkeep packed up our "supplies" (mainly snacks and some delicious looking chicken wings) at the country store down the street, but I never would've guessed what I'm about to share with you.

About 45 minutes into our expedition, Emily, amazingly still wearing her play safari hat, pointed out in the distance and said "Wow look at that kitty." I smiled to myself, and squinted toward the horizon, expecting a frolicking tabby.

This, however, was no tabby.

Could it be, I asked myself, already knowing the answer. Dead center in my viewing area was Apollo, a Siberian Lynx. THE Siberian Lynx the store owner told us we might see if we wandered in these parts. The beautiful fur, the soulful eyes, it was all there.

A normal man would be content to observe this beauty from a distance. A sane man would be happy to have a few zoomed photographs commemorating the event. But I'm no normal, sane man (I once bought an 87 Chevy Sprint, for crying out loud.) Slowly, carefully, as if by force of nature, the two of us walked ever closer to the big fella, Emily wearing an expression of silent joy.

It's a fault that I'm wary of awkward silences, even with an animal, so I decided to speak.

"Hey, Apollo, you're a big kitty."

I got what looked like a non plussed glance in response (I've seen something similar, namely every time I tell my wife I bought another football jersey.)

"Southpaw nothin' I'll drop him in three!"

Nothing. It occured to me only after I said it that not only was Apollo not human, but that he probably wouldn't appreciate my knowledge of quotes from the movie Rocky, and wouldn't get the joke I was referencing Mr. Carl Weather's riveting performance as his namesake Apollo Creed. Did this fella really want nothing to do with me or my lame attempts at conversation?

Then I saw IT.

There are moments, things, occurances, that when seen by man or beast are easily digested, easily understood. I saw a look on Apollo's face that any species would understand. He wanted something from me after all.

He wanted my chicken wings.

It seemed a small price to pay for such a wonderful sight, and a great encounter my daughter and I will remember forever. I left them out for him, and Emily and I watched a few beats as he digged into his feast before returning from whence we came and into our "Safari vehicle" (probably the first time anyone's used that phrasing to describe a Chevy Equinox, but it's my story, right?)

Driving home on this Daddy-Daughter Day, I was overcome by two thoughts.

For one, listening to Emily excitedly describe that Siberian Lynx was the highlight of my week, and one of the things that makes putting in the long hours at the job worth it.

For the other, I wondered if I should've left Apollo the honey mustard.

Oops, almost forgot my dedication. To my mother, with whom I share our blue eyes, our sense of humor, and unfortunately the craving for the dreaded analogs. A real chance at a tobacco free lifestyle is the least I can give in return.

 

[mattiem]

NAE

Wonderful stories. Like so many, I came to enter but have stayed to read. I am really enjoying all the stories and have to hop over to BCR after each one to read more about the cats featured in them.

I will enter and hope more folks do too.

Thank you for such a fantastic starter kit. Should I win it I know of several folks I intend to share it with. It is enough to get more than one started on this journey.

 

[mattiem]

Day 1 The journey begins

I spent most of yesterday online refreshing my memory about all the animals I hoped to get photos of. I stumbled across a site called Big Cat Rescue. I lost myself in the stories of all the wonderful creatures these caring people had rescued. I was really taken by the story of Nikita (Nik) and Joseph. Who could imagine that a tiger and a lion could bond so totally. Well, I knew I wouldn't see something like that but loved the story. So with pack on my back, camera around my neck, and enough provisions to last three days in the wilderness, I start off. It’s early spring, the sun is shining, wildflowers starting to bloom everywhere, what a fantastic day to be in the woods. I love hiking. Instead of hiking the established trails I wanted to strike off into an area that is so secluded it is only visited occasionally by hunters. My hike starts by finding a game trail. I look for these to follow because it’s the best chance of getting pictures of game. The trail lead me around the mountain about half way up before it starts gently sloping down to a valley below. At the bottom is a small stream and as I start to cross I notice a strange footprint at the edge. I bend down to inspect it more and realize it is some kind of big cat print. We have a lot of small game, deer, and the occasional black bear, but this was none of those. As a youngster, I had once seen a black panther, and I figured this must be what made this print. I was very excited at the thought of seeing one again. I continued to follow the game trail in hopes I would get a glimpse of it. After slowly threading my way through the forest for about three more miles I was beginning to lose light so I made camp for the night.

I dedicate this to my Dad. We lost him to lung cancer at age 51. Should I be fortunate enough to win this contest I will pass it all on to my 2 sisters.

 

[mattiem]

Day 2 Discovery

The trail lead me to the edge of a steep boulder strewn ledge. As I crept to the edge to look over, I saw the river about one hundred fifty feet below. As I surveyed the banks of the river I suddenly found my prey. But to my amazement, it’s not a black panther as I imagined. Instead I find myself staring a Siberian Tiger. I know this only because of pictures I recently saw of one name Nikita on the Big Cat Rescue site. What on earth is a tiger doing here, I wondered. It had to have escaped from a zoo or animal park, but there wasn’t any within a hundred miles of here. It was getting a drink of water and then started making it’s way on down the river bank. The brush was really thick and it wasn’t long before it was out of sight. I managed to get a couple of quick pictures of it before it disappeared. It looked very healthy and well fed, so I figured it had not been here long. As I started in the direction the cat had taken I found myself thinking about how it must be feeling. Here this animal is, a total stranger to this land, alone with no others of it’s kind…must be a very lonely feeling, even for an animal. As I fell asleep I mused, It looked just like the Siberian Tiger, Nikita. Couldn't be but....

I dedicate this to my Dad. We lost him to lung cancer at age 51. Should I be fortunate enough to win this contest I will pass it all on to my 2 sisters.

 

[mattiem]

Day 3 Enlightenment

After another good nights rest, I picked up the trail again along the edge of the river. With the soft banks the trail was pretty easy to follow. A short distance down the valley at a place where the hillside was covered with big boulders I spotted what looked like an entrance to a small cave. On one of the large flat rocks lay the cat. It appeared to be sleeping. Head hanging sideways over the rock with the sun on its belly. As I watched, my mind wandered again to thoughts of how majestic, but also how lonely it looked. Then suddenly from behind the big rock, another head appeared, but this was no tiger! It was a cat alright, but this was a Lion. Yes!! a Lion!! and they didn’t fight. Oh my, this has to be Joseph. I know it can't be happening but there it is right before my eyes. Joseph climbed up on the rock beside Nikita and started licking him. With that Nikita bounced up and the two of them begin playing, yes playing!!, around the hill side. I watched their antics for about thirty minutes, snapping pictures frantically, until they settled down for a nap together. These cats appeared to be in good health, clearly cared a great deal for each other, and were free. What more could man or beast ask for. I thought to myself, No one is going to believe what I saw, but fortunately, I have the pictures to prove it.

I dedicate this to my Dad. We lost him to lung cancer at age 51. Should I be fortunate enough to win this contest I will pass it all on to my 2 sisters.

 

[kia2]

NAE

Absolutely beautiful entries!!

Thank you.

 

[Racehorse]

Journal entry #2 (continued from post #50) Dedicated to "Will" the male Bobcat at Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, FL.


What is going on here?

Inspection is needed. What were the deer running from?

We put on our "snake boots" (that's what they call 'em here in Arkansas) which are high and thick rubber to protect feet and legs from all the vipers that can be hiding under leaves in the woods.

We walk across the dam next to the pond, and into the woods beyond, to see what made the young deer take a running leap into our pond.

Much to our suprise........a baby bobcat is up a tree----and appearing rather frightened.........This little guy has white patches on the back of each ear (a guide for young bobats following their mother's in the dark of night). Something was just not right with this guy though. We didn't know if he was frightened or just lacking the energy and stamina due to illness or parasites or something to move out of the tree.

Bobcats use the tree method to ambush deer.....when a deer walks under the tree, the bobcat pounces onto the deer's neck. But this youngster apparently hasn't perfected his hunting yet....he is too young. It takes about 3 years for the youngsters to learn hunting skils from their mamm.

Perhaps mamma hadn't taught him the full lessons yet, and/or maybe she lost her life and he is an orphan and now sick and on his own. (Logging and encroaching home building in our area often push them to the edge of their habitat).

Many think that bobcats are nocturnal and rarely seen, but there are often reports of quite the opposite, esp. if you live in an area where they are indigenous, esp. out on a rural farm or on edge of a national forest like we do.

For instance: (ignore opening ad about kayaks til the video starts):
VIDEO – Young bobcat chillin’ in a backyard tree

But there are even more startling discoveries to come.........because.........

 

[Renolizzie]

NAE

I love reading these stories. I am meaning to get over hear and write up a story loosely based on my adventures in the wilds of the West. I guess I better do it soon.

 

[Stormlark]

NAE

Wow, that's one hell of a starter kit. I love Big Cat Rescue, they have the cutest videos. The reasons I'm not entering the contest is 1) I have enough homework right now as it is and 2) I'd rather see someone else get the kit since I already have more than what I need.

So good luck everyone!

 

[MidwestMom]

Day 1 -

I awoke from stasis this morning as we were getting ready to sweep past the planet earth ... the collision alarms were beconing my immediate attention... sluggishly my limbs awoke from their long term slumber and I pulled myself from the small pod I'd been in... the creak of the door barely audible over the sound of the alert.... "collision iminent, please execute evasive manouvers" my brain must have clicked at some point as I slammed into the cockpit and rushed to my chair ... the computer screen flickering to life and readouts instantly filling the screen ... I settled down and started working hard... just a routine escort mission my ....... I hate escorting these richy types to their exotic vacations... bah... I grabbed the control sticks and started to move around the impeding asteroid... the sweet first view of the planet swinging into the viewing windows briefly... taking my breath away ... so much water life... and are those clouds... It didn't take me but a few more moments to correct our flightpath and start preparing for our landing... I slipped out once the auto pilot was set back onto the correct course and moved back down the hallway... ahh the metallic clank of my boots echoing down the cold bleak corridor... flipping on the lights and repowering the systems as needed to make our final approach... .... the landing should go without a hitch ... the hum of the cloaking device purring to life as I moved back to my chair and settled in with a sweet cup of coffee.. scanning the atmosphere only minor variances requiring simple inhalants to survive ... nothing extreme just a routine trip...


.... after landing I woke the rest of the passengers and handed out their different suvival and camping gear... smiling and going through the lecture on how everything was to be used... each person getting a couple of medical vaporizers till our bodies got adjusted to the planets atmosphere...

"use these as needed when you start feeling irritable or short winded "

Iremember reaching up and hitting the loading dock door then ... the brightness of the light ripping into the dark hull was insane... warm air whooshing around us ... causing several people to instantly start coughing... "what is that" one said clearly...

I knew what it was though ... the years at the academy had taught me ... this was an unspoiled reserve of fresh air... not contaminated by the years of industrial influence our planet had endured.... I drug my pack to my shoulder and plodded off the ship... thats when I saw them... they were such huge Magnificent beast... fluid muscles rippling beneath liquid golden fur... it stunned me I had seen pictures but the sheer power they exhuded... I held up my hand and stopped the others so as not to startle them... though i heard some gasps... ok so these pleasure trips for rich people weren't that bad... I could hear a few clicks of camera devices as the cats passed by on their way towards what looked like a watering hole... their sleek golden coats blending so perfectly with the simple background of their environment....

"I do believe... " pulling out my guidebook.... "we've just spotted Joseph and his pride... who were supposed to be close to this location..." ~glancing back up I watched the cats again barely able to see them now... as I pulled out my binoculars yes yes there it was one tiger and two lions~ " yes its Positively Joseph, Sasha and Nikita... "

we spent the rest of the day setting up camp and marveling at the grand pictures we already got... and this is just day one... I can't wait till tomorrow...

This was going to be a grand trip indeed to the Milky Way Quadrant


((dedicated to my girlfriends at work who supported me and encouraged me through this whole process of quitting .... even though they don't think they had the money to try ... would love to be able to give them something to get them on their way... and maybe they'll stop sneaking by my office and 'borrowing' one of my meager supply lol))

 

[mattiem]

NAE

I can't believe that more folks haven't posted here. Such a wonderful cause and fabulous prize. I am trying to spread the word and hopefully more will be posted after the week-end.

 

[Renolizzie]

Day 1 -

It was a beautiful clear day, like so many of the days we have out here in the wide open spaces of the West. The red rocks of Utah beckoned me into the canyons. There was a small stream, crystal clear, that rolled down the canyon, sparkling in the sun. The cottonwoods were talking to one another softly in the gusting breeze. The small winds eddying up the slopes as the day warmed up. I met Orion again.

When I say I met Orion again, I may be exaggerating a bit. The first time I "met" Orion, I was walking down the rocky stream with patches of red sand filling in the areas around the boulders and sand bars in the dry parts where the flood waters had receded. Like all desert canyons, this canyon would flash flood every so often when a big rainstorm was in the area. Sometimes the rainstorms were far upstream. The skies will grow dark and the thunder will start booming and the lightening will streak from the clouds to the ground, crackling and flashing. Sonic booms in an otherwise quiet world of canyons and cedar trees.

Anyway, I was following the tracks of a large bighorn sheep through a maze of large boulders that led towards the stream. Suddenly, in the sand, there was a story. The bighorn was dancing wildly. In the sand to one side was the tracks of a large mountain lion who had obviously ambushed the bighorn from the ledge. The bighorn dislodged the young cougar. The cougar had stood there as the bighorn ran off, through the stream and escaped the claws of death. The bighorn sheep's lucky day!!! The cougar had stood there for a moment, watching his supper get away. He then turned and padded off to find a new hunting spot. Disappointment showing in his slow footsteps.

I saw his tracks again, several times in my wanderings. He became a familiar face to me, drawn into the sand, with his large padded paws painting pictures. I named him - Orion.

More tomorrow....

I dedicate this to my mother-in-law who says she is only smoking an occasional cigarette even though she smoked one in the bathroom at her son's house in Washington state. How occasional is that???? I think she has cut way down but she certainly hasn't quit. I would like to see her vaping instead.

PS- I don't know what 200 words looks like but I hope I haven't gone over the limit by much!!!! The contest is wonderful and very sweet. The big cats at the rescue center are very fortunate to have found forever homes where there physical and emotional/mental needs are being met.

 

[kia2]

Just 6 more days to go! Let the journal entries flow!!

 

[Renolizzie]

Day 2

There are times and places in your life that you never forget. I wish I had kept a journal when I was younger, as I am sure that I have forgotten more than I remember about my younger days. Sigh. Still, some places and times are etched into my mind. This memory is one I will never forget.

I was walking in one of my favorite places in that beautiful red rock country. It was early with just enough light for me to walk confidently across the high ridge and through the scattered junipers without worrying about not seeing a rattler on the trail. The sun broke over my shoulder and the sky was soft in oranges reflected onto the soft line of clouds to the north of east. It would be hot today and there was a good chance of thunderstorms but any storms would wait until the heat of the day. The moment the sun came up it started to warm up.

I headed off the ridge and down to the stream bed to where the cottonwoods talk to one another in the slightest breeze. There was a downey woodpecker flitting from tree to tree and rat-a-tatt-tatting with his strong little beak. The sky was so blue and clear and the canyon was warm and inviting. The water singing in the stream as it pressed up against the ridge and then swung back. I paused at one of my favorite look outs on top of a large boulder. Then, I climbed down and started winding my way through the maze, headed towards the stream about 300 yards away.

I turned the last corner and popped out from a large house sized rock with my eyes sweeping up towards the stream that I knew would be there. I stopped, completely startled and utterly terrified and amazed. There was my cougar, Orion, maybe 100 feet away from me, drinking from the stream. He turned to look at me, just as caught off guard as I was. I unsnapped my holster and put my hand on my .38 pistol, not wanting to shoot but ready if I was attacked.

We both stared at one another with surprised looks on our faces. It was then that I saw the two little ones in the elderberries off to the side of the cougar. I said, out loud softly, "Orion, my boy, you aren't a young male cougar. You are a momma!!! Your babies are beautiful!"

She gave a low growl and the young ones looked at her, then me. They headed downstream into the brush. The beautiful cougar glanced to make sure they were headed safely out of harm's way. She turned and followed them. In one great leap, she was gone.

One gets to see a cougar in their lifetimes but rarely. It was such a wonderful privilege to see not one but three cougars. A moment I will never forget. I had to rename my cougar and I picked Artemis. The babies I named Tobi and Cody. I came across their tracks a few more times before that summer was gone. All these years later, this is still one of my fondest memories.

Well, dear journal, I have to go feed the goats and the little horsey. Maybe tomorrow I will tell you about the rattlesnake I almost stepped on when I was hiking Smith creek in Southern Cal.


This journal entry is dedicated to a guy I clean a house for. He has COPD and won't quit the stinkies. He tried an E-cig and said it wasn't any good. Maybe he just needs a better e-cig to get him to see that, sure, it isn't smoking but it is great and can get you off the stinkies. I am sure he would feel much better if he would quit smoking.

Have a great day, Kia.

 

[kia2]

Nae

only 3 days left!

 

[MidwestMom]

Day 2~

Dawn was just breaking on the horizon as I crouched near the watering hole about a mile from base camp... we'd been here for 2 weeks barely any sightings so far... I filled the water purifyer tanks and hefted them back onto the back of the jeep before looking out at the horizon once more the sun inching it's way upwards.. the glorious brilliance a beacon of hope to some... every time it rises it is breath taking ... bathing the world in the warmth of it's liquid golden hues. bringing light to the deepest soul upon seeing it's rising...

I smiled ... pulling out my camera and snapping a couple of stills... crouching back down to get a couple of more interesting angles as I watched a few of the morning risers lap at the pool of clear water in the early morning light... thinking of how beautiful every thing was... a frog splashing into the water next to me, I remember that so clearly because I frowned and pulled my bandana off my head to wipe the lens clear from any water drops... adjusting the aperature to get the best picture in the mornings light...

thats when it happened... I barely noticed it at first a silent predator stalking through the grasses ... something catching my eyes just in the corner you know... where the lights play tricks on you ... the sleek beauty of gold orange and black stripes suddenly pouncing out and belly flopping into the pool just across from me... cauusing waves and ripples as the sleek beast plunged into the water... he couldn't have seen me as a threat... crouched there clutching my camera knuckles going wite as I was struck by the awe and beauty of the tiger playing about in the water... it was hard to swallow my breath caught still within my chest ... a stray wind catching a long strand of my hair blowing it into my amazed blue gaze , water rippling against the tips of my boots... as I reached up to brush the hair back I could feel the grit upon my hand where I'd rested it upon the ground for a moment catching myself...

my CAMERA... yes ... fumbling quickly hoping the beauty wouldn't be startled away,,, I started clicking away the best pictures of my life... I'd saved for years hoping I'd have just the barest glance at such a majestic beast never in my life thinking I'd be spending my morning watching one playing about like a kitten in a toy house...

the strength of the muscles so evident beneath the fur and flesh... the water streaming from his tail as he slinked to the banks and flopped to one side... looking so pleased with himself... he reminded me of my treasured companions so I blessed him with the same name as one...

"that's it boy smile for the camera... goood TJ" ....

Best Trip EVER

((dedicated to my mom who's beaten breast cancer and ovarian cancer... one of the strongest women I've ever met I love you mom))

 

[MidwestMom]

Day 3

I was finishing unpacking the boxes from the truck and had set my bird feeder on the deck... my first true day in the new house... we'd worked so hard I felt that someone had a hand in our being there the acreage was so perfect for us secluded next to a nature reserve ... I was in the kitchen making coffee when I heard the trash cans clang and rattle ... great not even night time and we had our first racoon ... I rolled my eyes and went outside... yep the cans were turned on their sides the contents spread across the whole driveway ... ugh ... least the noise seemed to have scared the critter off ... a smile and shake of my head was all I did ... a country gal like me should know better ... I spent the afternoon cleanign up and finding some nice heavy rocks to lug back to the house to place on top of them.... I always did want to lead an interesting life...

I told my husband about it when he got home his brown eyes sparkled with the simple glee of a child... already planning to set up motion sensative cameras to see who the culprit were... being a photographer I should be happy he doesn't plan on camping out in the trashcan himself to get a close up shot... we joked and laughed about it as the sun sunk lower in the sky... our cat prowling from the hallway into the kitchen... being the king of his castle at 22 lbs... the soft purr such a warm and welcoming sound as her rolled up beside me and brushed his full length against my leg... bringing a large smile to myself in the process..

it was the next morning though that things truely got interesting... I was sitting on the deck drinking my coffee and reading the paper when bubba brushed up against my legs under the table again his purring stronger than ever it seemed... a laugh beaming from deep inside my chest as I reached sown and petting her string side... I set my coffee cup down and stood up... you know daddy doesn't want you outside big man ... looking under the table the cat was gone... instant panic of a pet owner.... oh no... he ran off already ... adrenaline pumping and clicking my tongue as I frantically gathered my things to toss them inside ... heart pounding ... no no no not today ..... my poor baby .... I stopped as soon as I looked to the door, my coffee cup falling from my hand and shattering on the deck.. my babies glistening yellow eyes brilliantly wide as if he was in shock ... sleek gray form sitting behind the glass dooor inside looking out at me...


what was that....

turning as I heard something ... scratching at the deck... a swift bit of brownish gray out of the corner of my eyes... I just caught site of the bobcat as it darted across the yard followed by 2 adolescent babies... my breath caught in my throat again ... my husband would love this... he'd definitly be camping out to catch a picture for weeks now... the small family of cats dissappeared as quickly as it had come... thinkign about it I realized it was probably one of them out on the deck... maybe the cans... no... could it... well I would just have to have faith they'd show up again and give my husband a brilliant picture for his collection... hmm thats a good name... FAITH.... I like it


((dedicated to my husband... addicted to nicotine and still giving me the strength to quit... I'd like to repay the favor... he is also a hopeless photographer... and has camped out for the perfect wildlife photo...lol ))

 

[MidwestMom]

NAE

I seriously enjoyed this... things have been so hectic it's taken me a while to get my 2nd 2 entries in ... I've loved reading all of them ... some of the big cats stories almost bro0ke my heart to hear what they've gone through

 

[ShogaNinja]

NAE: I can't help but feel slightly responsible for the epic journal entry sizes. Sorry Kia. At least we've had a good read up to this point. I am going to bump this thread right now and I will repost it in the contest thread for some last minute entries.

Edit: Mattiem the shifty-eyed Pommeranian beat me to it, so cool. Bumped this thread, anyway.

 

[kia2]

NAE

Thank you, friends!

It won't be long now, before someone is deemed the winner of the "Ultimate Starter's Kit!"