OFFICIAL Kings Canyon Camp Swank Thread

[Not Afraid]

You know, STP has an ENTIRE pet section!

[Disneyphile]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

You know, STP has an ENTIRE pet section!

Yes. And I think Thurston needs one of everything in it.

[Not Afraid]

For GC:

Cougar Information
Mountain lions, or cougars, roam throughout Sequoia National Park. Your odds chances of seeing one of these secretive animals are low. The likelihood of encountering an aggressive lion is very remote. People are more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a mountain lion.
Nevertheless, it is wise to be prepared. Avoid hiking alone. Watch children closely. Do not let children run ahead of you on the trail. Hikers in particular are encouraged to read these tips carefully. Following them will allow both you and mountain lions to enjoy the parks safely.
The reclusive behavior of mountain lions and their tendency to live in remote areas explain why we know relatively little about these graceful cats. They once ranged from northern Canada through South American and from coast to coast. Probably no other land mammal in this hemisphere had a more extensive range. Due to hunting and habitat loss, mountain lions have been limited primarily to the West since the 1920's.
For many, the mountain lion is the quintessential symbol of wilderness: a large animal ranging freely in wild areas independent of human interference. Cougars are the largest carnivore in the north coast redwood parks. Cougars are at the top of the food chain and therefore serve as an indicator of the ecosystem's health. When in mountain lion habitat, it is critical to understand the behaviors that cats use to survive. You can then act accordingly to protect yourself and these animals in their native habitat.
Hiker Safety Tips
Don't run. Mountain lions are likely to chase things that run, since they associate running with prey.
Do not bend over or crouch down; try to appear as large as possible. Attempts to hide are likely to be unsuccessful; mountain lions see most people long before people spot them.
Hold your ground or move away slowly while facing the lion.
If you have little children with you, pick them up without bending over.
If the lion behaves aggressively, wave your hands, shout, and throw sticks or stones at it.
If attacked, face the cat and fight back.
Report any lion sightings to a ranger immediately.

[Disneyphile]

Kitties!!!!

I'm bringing some large balls of yarn for them to play with.

[Gemini Cricket]

Originally Posted by Disneyphile

Kitties!!!!

I'm bringing some large balls of yarn for them to play with.

Or, if I've read NA's article correctly, we should bring children with us and have them walk in front of us during hikes...

[Disneyphile]

Originally Posted by Gemini Cricket

Or, if I've read NA's article correctly, we should bring children with us and have them walk in front of us during hikes...

Nah. Those won't be needed. I'm planning on scenting the balls of yarn with Eau de Gemini Cricket.

[wendybeth]

Don't worry, GC- just smack some sticks together; that'll drive them away!

[Gemini Cricket]

Originally Posted by Disneyphile

Nah. Those won't be needed. I'm planning on scenting the balls of yarn with Eau de Gemini Cricket.

Boy, if my esophagus gets removed by a wild cougar on this camping trip, you're going to feel mighty guilty, I'm tellin' ya that. I said, I'm tellin' ya that.


Surely, iSm will want to lead all hiking trips, won't he?



On a less serious note, I got a backpack today at Costco. It's a camel something that hold water on long hikes. It's spiffy. It's not too expensive either. Get yours tomorrow!

[innerSpaceman]

Not only lead them, I will be tempting many a mountain lion when I likely hike alone in the morning.

I'll be carrying those Eau de Gemini yarn balls, tho.



Oooh, I'm glad you got a camelback, G.C. That's the way to go. That's big-time hiking stuff. If I wake you up early, will you go hiking with me?


(That way, I won't need the yarn balls)

[Gemini Cricket]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

Don't worry, GC- just smack some sticks together; that'll drive them away!

It's always about sex with you, isn't it, wendybeth?



Oh ho, but Joanna Barnes didn't get eaten by a mountain lion, did she? At least not in the released U.S. version. I hear the director's cut of the 1961 The Parent Trap shows her being mauled by a mountain lion...