Me At Surprise Gap

Me, standing at Surprise Gap, in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State. Little did I know, when this photo was taken, a cougar was only about 20 feet away from me. He was hiding behind some bushes and probably preparing to ambush me. Fortunately for me, shortly after taking this photo my instincts told me something was wrong and/or I was being watched. Although I didn't see anything, I banged my hiking stick against a small boulder and the noise caused the cougar to reveal himself and run away. Close call!!! September 8, 2008