Oh Dear!

Did I tell you that Wildhorse Canyon is a wildlife animal park (not really, but it could be!)

There are tons of deer, rabbits, salamanders, frogs, dragonflies, bats, coyotes. The coyotes don't come into camp, but there are deer who frequently travel through the little orchard around our staff lodge and climb up the fruit trees. We get pretty close to them, but they stay away at a safe distance of about 10-15 feet.

Yesterday, on our way 'home' from dinner, there were several deer on and near the path. I was pushing Janna in the stroller and Deek was walking behind. I was encouraging him to stay with us, but he saw one deer across the path from us, away from the rest of the herd. Dietrich kept walking towards the deer thinking of what it would be like to pet or even ride the Deer. The Deer had it's eyes locked on Deek with a laser like focus, crouched down in the ready position as if to charge... Deek said "hi Deer, Hi Deer!" from 15 feet.... 12 feet...10 feet, as I snatched him up to safety, thankful that I didn't have to tackle the deer to retrieve my son from the ferrocious herbivore. I guess a 28 lb kid isn't very intimidating to a deer!

A new camp arrived yesterday to the welcome of a gentle and warm rain. It seems the summer is ending and fall is rolling in. Jeff welcomes the new campers from a sound truck where he interacts with them before they go on their camp tour. (see pick of Jeff and kids on truck between the arrival of groups of campers)