The evening of the PUMAS at Sasqlodge

Two days ago we had a visit from a black bear. Milena's sharp ear heard him first among trees, while we relaxed on the deck. Soon she saw him strolling casually as he traversed the wooded slope 20m above. Today, the corner of her sharp eye noticed something odd in the meadow just ten meters outside the window: A COUGAR!!!, she whisper-yelled. I ran up from watching "The Forensic Files". Unbelievable!, where is the camera? I had to go fetch it in the Jeep outside, just 15m below the animal. Door opening and closing did not disturb him. Suddenly, there was another one and together they leisurely rose and moseyed up above the house. And that's when we noticed the Big Mama traversing in the trees 20m above the house. While she stretched to lie down comfortably and absolutely relaxed to survey the house, the two near-adult off-springs disappeared ambling slowly up into trees. But wait! Unbelievably, a fourth cougar appeared, moving up the meadow and into a position above the house - the third! cub (see the video at the bottom of the home page). We then watched and photographed them for hours from the rear balcony until it got dark. We lost sight of the cubs, but the mama is still there in the same spot, relaxing and possibly settled for the night. We feel absolutely blessed by this occurrence. Not everybody is fortunate to catch a glimpse of a cougar in his/her lifetime, not to speak of getting a three hour opportunity to photograph them in one place - and from your own balcony to boot. We have had deer visit our septic meadow regularly every evening. Now, I guess we won't see them for a while. Also, from now on, we must be more vigilant stepping outside the house into darkness at night. All this should also be recorded on my wildlife camera that is on a tree right where they lingered.

Prior to this divine experience, I had often reminded myself: "How can you expect and hope to see a Sasquatch, when you have never seen even a cougar?"

Well, now, where is the Sasquatch?