I have been away from "civilization" for so long. This is a friend of mine from the Lost Coast right around Jackass Creek. He was hiding under a driftwood log along the beach. It wasn't until now, as I sit in a Motel room in Eureka, that I am aware of the dangerous controversy that surrounds my sweet Jerusalem cricket in the picture. The bottom is a photo I took and the top is from potatobugs.com. The site describes the ferocious beast in more detail and it is only now that I realize I was at death's door. I mean how else do you get the nickname "Satan's fetus"? Seriously, look at the site, I'll wait.
I have noticed that while I am in nature's clumsy hands I should be more educated on what is evil and must be destroyed and what I should do in life-threatening situations. I have been reading the worst case scenario book but I can't imagine that upon seeing a bear that I will calmly throw my hands in the air and say softly, "hey bear. It's okay. Good bear.", I have been contemplating buying a small dog such as a chihuahua and throwing it at the bear as a snack while I run away. I think they are light enough that you could hurl it pretty far and it will give you plenty of time. Or, just tie the dog up at your camp site because what bear wants to chase food when a tasty little morsel is tethered to that tree not going anywhere?
I have also noticed that animals in the wild are pretty nice about showing signs that they are just as afraid of you. For example, passing a herd of Elk, we were greeted by most of them crapping themselves as we walked through. Noticing, as I did, that the first common primordial instinct is to relieve yourself so you can run faster from your predator. So I thank all the creatures who made me feel superior by pooing when they saw me, It really did make me feel bad ass and scary.
I am off now to fish Trinity River and the surrounding area. I wish that I had taken the cricket for bait, but I really thought he was a friend at the time. If anyone wants to send me warnings of animals, bugs, etc. that I may encounter, please do, I'm leaving in an hour.
