About 23 years ago I was hiking (ALONE - stupidly,
and unarmed - DOUBLY stupidly), on Red Butte mountain
in southwest Oregon (Douglass county). Total wilderness.
As I was moving down the trail, which runs along the one
side on the mountain, I kept hearing rustling noises
in the leaves & brush uphill to the right of me.
When I would stop - it - whatever it was - would stop also.
I had the distinct impression of being 'stalked' by
someone / something - but I couldn't seem to catch a
glimpse of whatever it was. An 'alien', perhaps?
Then as I rounded a curve in the gravel trail, I saw what
it was -
A mountain lion emerged from the brush and stopped in
the middle of the path - and we both stared at each other -
for how many seconds I don't know - because it seemed
like time - along with my heart - had stopped.
I remained motionless - except for my eyes - which were
frantically scanning my surroundings for a big rock or
a big stick - ANYTHING to defend myself with.
But then, after I don't know how many seconds, I guess it
decided that I wasn't worth the trouble - or maybe wouldn't
taste very good.
It turned perpendicular to the trail and headed off downslope.
I have since gone hiking again many times - and yes,
sometimes alone, for short easy hikes - but NEVER unarmed.
So aliens may or may not exist - I don't know.
But cougars definitely DO. I know that for a fact. Yep.
I had multiple encounters with one.
Until I found out she was married...
.
.
.
...to a Marine Corps Drill Instructor!