Every (wo)Man for Themselves....when it comes to skunks

[Jana Furzer]

   My family and I were RVing up the California Central Coast a couple of years back. Beautiful Campground on Highway 101. Pines, a restaurant that was 5 star on the edge of the grounds. Huge wood beams, California wines, a view of the ocean through the fog. I think we spent 200.00 on dinner after having hiked from the campground.

On the way back, rather than kill their mother (me) who was not into hiking DOWN a hill in the dark, the family walked the long way back down the paved road. No lights, just our flashlight, which I had. It swung back and forth a bit as I walked that fast walk you do as you lean back on a steep grade. Corey (son) and I were in the front, with my Hubby, Rob, and daughter Summer about 10-12 foot behind us. I heard a noise! I swung the flashlight to my left and beheld the eyes of a skunk, which then spun-and I knew what that meant. I looked at Corey the instant he looked at me. We both yelled;"Skunk!" and took off down the hill, running with the only flashlight through the darkness, leaving the others behind.

 Rob said all he could see was the flashlights beam going up and down as I ran, he never heard "skunk" or anything and they were left in darkness....I was still laughing the next morning when I awoke. Guess it is everyone for themselves- I protected my children so well! ha! Wait till the zombies show up!

[Donna & Jim Frederick]

LOL I liked the story, it reminds me of my own run in with a skunk camping in an Ohio St Pk cooking a piece of balony over an open fire after dark and husband at the time was in the tent reading.  I herd a noise coming through the leaves and look in the direction and here comes a skunk coming to check out the fire.  He stopped opposite of me on the other side of the camp fire and looked at me  stuck his nose up in the air and sniffed the balony I guess.  I just sat there and didn't move.  Have you ever tried to whisper a yell?  I tried to get the husbands attention but his nose was into the book to deep.  Finally the skunk just turned around and walked away.    

I love the wild life we see out camping.  My favorite is the white squirels here in Fl at one of the state parks.  Happy trails to you and yours.