Wide eyed, we started our morning a little later than usual. It was a rough weekend health-wise, and I wasn't quite at my normal energy level this morning. That seems like it's never true of Shyla - she is always ready to move at warp speed.
She was a happy girl as I took a few photos in the forest before we headed up higher. But the sun was so bright, she needed shades! Unfortunately, she hates Doggles.
Then a couple of things happened that put Shyla into a wary mood. One was an encounter with a not-so-nice dog. It was my fault for not getting out early this morning. It happened just after she relaxed on her favorite boulder. The dog put Shyla on the ground, yelping in fear, but there was no physical harm done. However, she was less carefree for the rest of our ride.
A while later, up higher in our forest, she caught a scent that fascinated her and made her very wary.
When she caught the scent, we were on our way to check a trail camera. Before knowing what the trail camera memory card held, I took the photo above of Shyla about 30 yards from it. Guess what we found on that camera?
You guessed it - a portrait of a mountain lion, taken just hours earlier. There was a whole series of him, over a couple of days, which I'll share in the future. He's a handsome dude, isn't he? I'm almost certain he's a male because he scraped the ground multiple times in front of the camera.
After I glanced at the photos taken by that trail camera, we headed for home! I thought it seemed prudent not to hang out next to a spot where a lion has been multiple times recently. I must admit, however, that the mountain lion photos made me smile!
he's a handsome fellow. glad you stay safe, though.
ReplyDeleteCool and scary at the same time!
ReplyDeleteKB, The Mountain Lion is simply beautiful-such power and strength.
ReplyDeleteHave to say I am glad Shyla didn't get hurt-and you seem very calm about the whole situation. Hunter is so submissive with other dogs, couldn't fight to save his life.
Glad you were able to get out though.
Hoping you feel better tomorrow.
Hugs,
Noreen
Poor Shyla, hope that encounter didn't set her back much. She is such a beautiful girl. Sending good vibes your way for a better week for you.
ReplyDeleteThat mountain lion photo is amazing!
ReplyDeleteAmazing photograph of the mountain lion. wow!
ReplyDeleteWere glad Shyla did not get hurt too! I know it scared her so bad.
ReplyDeleteBut when she got the wiff of the mountain lion,,, I think she felt better! What a beautiful big cat!
love
tweedles
That is a fabulous photo of the mountain lion. Maybe he was trying a selfie....
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Bella & Roxy
It's too bad about the other dog, but it is good that Shyla is wary of mountain lions. Smart baby!
ReplyDeleteFantastic image! Wowza.
ReplyDeleteI'm back after three days offline, and catching up on blog-reading...this was one of my first stops :)
We are so sorry that you had to deal with that not-so-nice dog, Shyla. grrrrrrrrrrrrr
ReplyDeleteWhat a great shot of the mountain lion!
Love ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly
That puma is absolutely soooo handsome. Wow.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn
Wow, super cool. I'm glad you didn't meet him in person though.
ReplyDeleteLooks like that lion was posing for the camera!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
I think I would be under the bed!
ReplyDeleteHowdy Mates, sorry Shyla was unsettled by that other dog but glad she has you to support her. The mountain lion is magnificent. Wowza and yaahoo what wonderful wildlife you have in your neck of the woods. Thanks so much for sharing your photos. We just love them. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory
ReplyDeleteShyla has some pretty darned good instincts! That is one handsome lion, though. :)
ReplyDeletehandsome indeed!
ReplyDelete