As I was out on my mountain bike today I passed an area about 1/2 mile from Mountain House where I had an amazing encounter with a Mountain Lion.  While this story is a bit embarrassing to me as I claim to be Mountain Girl, I can't help but reflect on the honor I had chatting with a young lion fall of 2005. 

I was out for a lunch time spin on a warm sunny day.  As I rounded a curve, I spotted what I thought was a bobcat running along side the road.  We've seen a number of bobcats around the area, so its not a big surprise.  It struck me as "odd" that the bobcat had a long tail, as their name implies they have naturally bobbed-tails.  The cat stayed on the road for a good distance, and then darted about 30 ft off the road to sit on some rocks under a tree.

I stopped by bike to chat and have a closer look.  The conversation went something like this:

Me:  "Hello little snutty cat"

Cat: stare

Me:  "Is'ms kitty kat having a good day?"

Cat:  stare

Me:  " Osm's kitty dosen's needs to be afraids of me"

Cat:  stare

Finally the cat, with it's pointed ears and spotted chest decided I was a few bricks short of a full load and darted off into the meadow.  I resumed my ride - smiling at my wonderful encounter with nature - knowing how fortunate it is to see wildlife so close up.

I got home and told Mountain Guy about the very odd bobcat I encountered -  that there must have been some fluke as he had a tail.  Mountain Guy gave me one of those looks.  You know those looks.....like when you do something really silly and have no idea you were being silly?  Turns out I was having a chat with a young mountain lion.  Yup, I got on line, looked at pictures to confirm, and yes, the little snutzy was a young, fierce carnivore.  And, mom was likely near by as the young hang with mom for two years. 

 So, now every time I zip past that spot in the meadow I smile and relive my experience with the mountain lion.  I like to think that on this Mother's Day I provided the Mommy Lion an opportunity to teach her cub some things.  Such as, don't run on the road, avoid people because they are obviously nuts, and to practice your camouflage so you can be almost invisible.

Today's ride was just plain good.  No wild creatures, just good rocks and mud.

And, Happy Mothers Day to my Mom, who spent many many years (still counting) teaching me very good lessons about life.  Love you Michigan Mom!