The age-old ballet between deer and cougar was danced in the Canim Lake Estates in the wee hours of Feb. 21.
The cougar skirted the first home by 20 feet. Walking out the driveway, it picked up the fresh trail of two deer, and followed these into heavy timber.
Coming to an overlook of a second home, the cautious cat backtracked, stepping neatly into its old prints, then looping around, spooked the deer, which crashed their way down through a tangle of rotted logs, sending chunks flying.
The hungry hunter temporarily gave up the chase, walking by another home to cross Canim-Hendrix Lake Road at Cabbage Corner.
Other deer moving in the area made a point of following the cat’s tracks back the way it had first come. They were still there in the light of the early morning, calmly munching breakfast, the specter of the night forgotten.
First responders ready
The Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department (FGVFD) concluded a series of extensive training sessions on Feb. 24-26.
A number of first responders from Halls # 1 and #2 recertified as Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board rated Level 3 first responders, which is the highest level that can be achieved.
A second group of Level 3 first responders will recertify next year. In all, the FGVFD has 14 fully qualified and licensed first responders. All have additional endorsements for spinal, automated external defibrillator (AED), and the latest Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques.
Each of the four trucks carries a full medical kit, oxygen, and an AED, as well as related equipment, such as cervical collars, spine boards, a burn kit and blankets.
This dedicated group would love to show you the equipment and answer any questions or concerns you might have. The first responders will be at the FGVFD open house on March 18, as noted below.
Bird song
Margo Wagner reported the first Varied Thrush of 2012 on Feb. 24.
Wayne Traill at Hawkins Lake reported the regular winter residents, with two American Dippers were observed in the open water of Bradley Creek at the bridge into the settlement. These feisty aquatic songbirds are specially adapted for hunting aquatic invertebrates, larva and fish eggs, in and under cold fast-moving waters strong enough to knock down a human.
Calendar
• On March 14, Cariboo Regional District representatives will be here to outline the conditions for the continuation of the fire department.
The numbers are now too low, and if more members do not join, the department may be lost. Come to the community hall at 7 p.m.
• The Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department’s open house was rescheduled to March 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hall #1. The firefighters and first responders would love to have you stop by to see what is going on, to enjoy a hotdog, coffee or hot chocolate, and to consider joining them.
That’s all for now. Until next time, here’s wishing you many blessings.