Mountain Lion Country/Rattlesnake-Hike

[bearthedog]

The past 4 days I have been hiking in the Cleveland National Forest in Southern California. This is a unique area of Desert and rolling hills. Lots of sage brush, cactus, oak, and Mountain Lions. I have backpacked here and day hiked about 20 times over the past 3 years. Everytime I leave that area there seems to be a Mountain Lion attack. Two people have been killed in the past few years in a near by area called Whitting Ranch. There has also been a few attacks in Caspers Wilderness Park a few miles away. Besides the many tracks and lots of scat there are the many rattle snakes. This really is great place for pictures and practicing skills. Here are a few pics from todays (friday) hike and a few from the days before. I hope you enjoy them!

-RB

Gina found a great use for the Vic hiker Awl. Seems the ranger forgot to punch the hole in the park pass.

 

[bearthedog]

Some signs

This is called the gallop pattern

Pack Pack

Survival Whistle

 

[bearthedog]

The blades

 

[bearthedog]

 

[bearthedog]

 

[MDG]

Great bikini top, great backpack, great country. But what is the sludge in the pond (billabong) in post 4??

 

[Stump_250]

Awesome pics!

 

[Fletcher Knives]

I think we need to see that wistle/bikini setup in a colder climate.

 

[tinwiskers]

Wow some really nice pictures all around! that's a pretty big Rattler, I know it would have my attention if I came across it

 

[johnspark]

Very nice Bear. Thanks for posting.

 

[brianNH]

Great pics ! Thanks for posting.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

I need to try Bear's pickup line:

"Hey baby, let's go for a nice, romantic walk in the wilderness and look for animal poop."

For some reason, it seems to work.

 

[Jake Bauer]

Wow.. you certainly travel with good company. You lucky dog. Great pics!