1 July 2017 A Wild(life) Return to Quehanna

We planned to make another visit to the Quehanna Wild Area for hiking and caching. While we were still having breakfast, a doe strolled through our view behind the kitchen. She was browsing heavily on one type of plant and within 20 feet of our sport ute as we watched.

We hoped out wildlife sightings might include a few ducks on the water beyond this blind, but all we enjoyed this afternoon was a pleasant view of the water.

Our wildlife viewing became a little more interesting when we spotted the rattlesnake below in the road. When we drove by it was stretched out and giving a good impression of a dead rattlesnake after being run over. As we left the ute and approached, it quickly curled up and let us know it was alive and not please to see us. He rattled a few times as we approached.

It was a busy day for butterflies near our first unfound cache of the day.

We looked for a very lonely multi which hadn't been found in years. The first stage was an information stage so we were able to get coordinates for the final. Our walk to the final was fun with big helpings of blueberries, but no find for us.

We were on the way back to the geo-ute when disaster nearly struck. I had been diligent and watchful for rattlesnakes througout the day. I let my wariness lapse and Phineas was put at risk. Before I realized there was a danger, he had happily bounded past a sleeping rattlesnake on the rocks by the edge of the trail. The rattlesnake woke and was beyond angry. I was left with a happy energetic beagle on the end of the leash and separated from me by a an angry rattlesnake. We were six feet apart with a rattlesnake in the middle. I didn't dare drop the leash and take a chance since Phin, like most beagles, is a scent runner. Instead I timed my move (and got lucky) and was eventually on the other side unharmed with Phineas. The super angry rattlesnake eventually moved across the trail leaving safe passage for Ali and Lizzie.

We were on our way home. I was disappointed that we had once again not seen elk. Then they appeared roadside and as large as life. Wow!