(meteorobs) meteorobs Digest, Vol 2, Issue 8

[brodwcjj at integrity.com]

The areas I go in the west (Columbia River Gorge or high desert Central
Oregon) I haven't felt the need to carry weapons.  I'm glad I didn't have
one the time the local sheriff checked to see what I was doing.
                   "But officer I'm watching meteors"
The closest animal encounter I recall is with an owl.
I was in a reclining chair covered in sleeping bags on a cold Leonid night
in the Columbia Gorge.
My head was covered with a brown furry-looking hat.   All of a sudden
something blacked out the stars and I felt a silent whoosh of air over my
face.   Then I saw something land in the tree above.    I realized that an
owl had made a pass at my furry head  maybe thinking it was a rabbit.
Thank goodness it did not sink it's talons into my face.
Since the owl was still looking down from the tree I threw my arms out of
the sleeping bag, ripped off my hat and yelled, "I am NOT a Rabbit !"
The rest of the night was uneventful except for the beautiful meteors.

Now there are areas in the west I would feel different.   In Alaska I was
nervously aware that I was not the top of the food chain when I could see
evidence of recent Grizzly Bear activity everywhere I hiked.
I didn't stay out at night there  but if I did it would probably be on the
roof of a tall building  with a can of bear mace in my hand.

Dustin Brown


> From: jeffrey wilson <smellystinkbug at yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: (meteorobs) Wild Animals: Lions & Tigers & Bears Oh My!
> I was going to observe the Geminids in December but after reading this
> thread I dont know.
> Pepper spray, stun gun; guns with bullets!? This is starting to sound like
> a survivalist discussion.? I have observed from the middle of the glades
> on occasion but did not take a weapon of any type; maybe I should.? Hmmmmm
> food for thought.? Actually the animals that have given me a hard time
> (not all of them mind you) stand upright and carry a badge.
> "What are you doing out here at this time of night!"? then you show him
> your binoculars and other gear just to convince him that your telling the
> truth.?
> ?
> Have you ever heard that sound that a gator makes?? That will make you
> jump a few feet if you are not used to it.
> ?
> Happy observing and look before you shoot anything.
> ?
> Jeff Wison