|
Flight at Craters of the Moon
Story Two:
Story Two:
Craters of the Moon, one of Idaho's most incredible geologic wonders, is part of a 60-mile long earthen faulting system where volcanic eruptions have occurred as recently as 2,000 years ago. Volcanic formations easily accessible to monument visitors include cinder cones, spatter cones and lava tubes or caves. Craters of the Moon National Monument preserves a weird and fantastic volcanic landscape.
Quote:
My family arrived at Craters of the Moon late in the afternoon on a beastly hot day. Not to be deterred from seeing the barren, cinder-filled park, our first activity was a stop at the Visitor's Center. Along the way we passed numerous warning signs indicating possible rattlesnake activity along with the usual DON'T FEED THE ANIMALS signs. At the visitor center the park ranger told ua that just yesterday a rattler was sunning on the ground in front the building. My mother hates snakes and she was not enthusastically embracing a tour of this interesting park.
Anyway, after setting up camp we left to explore the area until late dusk and hunger pains brought us back for our evening campfire. The warm wind began to blow harder after dark, making Mom's hearing a even less effective while she made a quick meal of Hot Dogs and Baked Beans on the portable gas stove. Unknown to the rest of us, she had zeroed in on each and everyone of the "rattlesnake warning signs," and her nerves were frazzled and on edge. With no room to eat at the picnic table, Mom had taken her hot dog and stood off to the side near the camp fire until we heard a startled shreik and saw our mother fly onto the picnic table doing a very creative jumping up and down dance. Everyone at Craters of the Moon knew things were not good at our campsite.
My mother had been unexpectedly touched which signaled her flight reflex. It made no difference that she had been touched in the small of her back, her mind said "snake!" and she flew. Not only were we startled by her reaction, but so was the sweet, black tailed, mule dear mother who was only asking Mom for a handout when she nudged her back. The deer had three fawns with her. Hopefully, the fawns learned not to beg for handouts. People should know better than to feed animals.
|
__________________
(\ (\
(=' x')
(,('')('')
If you talk to the animals they will talk to you, If you do not talk to them you will not know them. And what you do not know you will fear. What one fears,one destroys. ~Chief Dan George. (1899 - 1981)
|
