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Wordless Wednesday (Almost) - Hiking in Mountain Lion Territory

By Chris Alston

Real Estate Agent with Chris Alston (Keller Williams Realty, Silicon Valley, California) 01338415

April 05, 2011 05:08 PM

So I went hiking in my backyard again... This time I went to where a trailhead is, instead of just crossing the field and up the hill from the front yard. I came across this sign. I am not sure if I had seen it before, so I snapped a picture.

Mountain Lion

I live in Saratoga, CA. I was hiking in the hills directly above Saratoga/Cupertino. It was an amazing day, and weather was awesome! I was hiking in a short sleeve shirt.

Hiking

As you can see from the shadows in the pictures, this was later in the day. An after dinner hike.

I hope everyone has an awesome Wednesday!

chris

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Bryan Robertson

Los Altos, CA

We have been having some excellent weather lately, haven't we?! In all the times I've walked up there, I've never run into a mountain lion - at least not on any of the trails. Lots of deer and turkeys though.

Apr 06, 2011 02:00 AM

Mona Gersky

MoonDancer Realty, Dillsboro,NC - Sylva, NC

GRI,IMSD-Taking the mystery out of real estate.

One of many upsides of hiking with a partner...you don't have to outrun the mountain lion, just your partner!

Apr 06, 2011 02:48 AM

Charita Cadenhead

eXp Realty - Birmingham, AL

Serving Jefferson and Shelby Counties (Alabama)

See Chris, for me, the mountain lion warning is a surefire distraction from the scenary. Had it been me, that beautiful photo would never have been taken had I encountered the sign first (ha, ha, ha). Kidding aside, it is beautiful. Hope you enjoyed the hike.

Apr 06, 2011 03:22 AM

Chris Alston

Chris Alston (Keller Williams Realty, Silicon Valley, California) - Campbell, CA

Silicon Valley, California

Stacey - No, I never go out alone. :) Whether it is bears up north and east part of Cali, or lions here. Always go in pairs or more.

Stun gun? Hmmm... HA!

Apr 06, 2011 04:03 AM

Chris Alston

Chris Alston (Keller Williams Realty, Silicon Valley, California) - Campbell, CA

Silicon Valley, California

Thanks Roger! I hope not either... But then again, I hope one day, so I can get a good picture... Well, maybe...

Apr 06, 2011 04:03 AM

Chris Alston

Chris Alston (Keller Williams Realty, Silicon Valley, California) - Campbell, CA

Silicon Valley, California

BLiz - So cute... When I hike, I do keep alert. But I love to hike and camp.

Apr 06, 2011 04:04 AM

Chris Alston

Chris Alston (Keller Williams Realty, Silicon Valley, California) - Campbell, CA

Silicon Valley, California

KAthy - Well, think of house cats... They will pounce you for fun, or if you paly with them, or if you run, or annoy them. Kind of the same thing with mountain lions. So just DONT RUN. But then again, I have never seen one in the wild...

Apr 06, 2011 04:06 AM

Stacey Smith

Keller Williams Realty - Aliso Viejo, CA

Your Orange County Beach Cities Realtor

Yes Chris.. Because though I am preaching to you about the importance of not hiking by yourself I however do a big no no which is I do open houses by myself.. But I always chart out an escape plan if I have my stun gun on me at all times if that person is between me and my exit and contact is required...But I am not trying to brag but I do have an advantage besides a stun.. I'm 5 ft. 9 and I know how to handle myself.. I wouldn't go down without a fight.

Apr 06, 2011 04:31 AM

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS

Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA

South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Why do signs always bring us back to reality Chris? Sometimes you wonder who was infringing on whose domain…

Apr 06, 2011 07:01 AM

Michael A. Caruso

Surterre Properties - Laguna Niguel, CA

Beautiful photo. Did you ever run into a mountain lion??

-Michael

Apr 06, 2011 09:08 AM

Mel Ahrens, MBA, Kelly Right Real Estate

Kelly Right Real Estate - Hood River, OR

Customized Choices for your Real Estate Needs

The "carry a big stick" method should be part of every hikers equipment when hiking around mountain lions, bears, wolves, etc.... Stun gun - that is a new one for hikers.

Mel

Apr 06, 2011 10:19 AM

Erika Rogers

Red Rock Real Estate ~ Southern Utah's Largest Independent Brokerage - Saint George, UT

St George Utah Real Estate & Relocation Specialist

Hi Chris, what gorgeous photos! You're so lucky to have all that right in your back yard...Enjoy

Apr 06, 2011 11:05 AM

Jack Mossman - The Nines Team at Keller Williams in Lodi

The Nines Team at Keller Williams in Lodi - Lodi, CA

The Nines Team in Lodi

Chris ... After dinner I usually have dessert ... in the right (or wrong) set of circumstances ... you could be dessert! Living on the edge of civilization has its advantages ... and occasionally a drawback to two! Thanks for sharing ... it also might work as a negotiation technique ... "BE LARGE!"

Apr 06, 2011 03:29 PM

Shannon Coe

exp realty of California, Inc. - Oceanside, CA

760-586-5268, San Diego Realtor

Good Morning Chris, sounds fun...but yikes! Love Garys photo!

Apr 07, 2011 02:30 AM

Marzena Melby

Coldwell Banker Burnet Realty - Richfield, MN

Realtor, Twin Cities Minnesota Real Estate

It sounds like you had a fabulous time, Chris. I can imagine warm breeze through my hair. Lovely!

Apr 07, 2011 02:55 PM

Gloria Todor

Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA

& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA

Chris, Cats are unpredictable. Hope you never have to think about that sign in a hurry!

Beautiful country!

Gloria

Apr 07, 2011 03:20 PM

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX

Selling Homes Changing Lives

Chris,

I'm afraid to say I'd be hiking back there by myself, signs or no signs. What a great post but do be safe. We NEED you on ActiveRain!

Patricia

Apr 07, 2011 03:53 PM

Rob Thomas

Prestige Homes of The Tri Cities, Inc. CALL....423-341-6954 - Bristol, TN

Bristol TN-VA & Tri Cities Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro

Chris....RUN,RUN,RUN.....glad you didn't encounter any. Nice post!
Hope you have a great day!---Rob

Apr 09, 2011 12:39 AM

Lottie Kendall

Compass - San Francisco, CA

Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hi Chris -- aren't we lucky to have all this open space around us? I don't get to Fremont Older very often, but it's a great place. My husband and I hiked up Montara Mountain from the beach yesterday--good stiff climb!

Apr 10, 2011 04:21 AM

Karen Crowson

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA

Your Agent for Change

Chris - we still have mountain lions in Livermore. One of my friends has a 10 acre parcel up in the hills here. On her way to go grocery shopping one morning, she walked into the garage to find a lion hanging out. Needless to say, she thought online shopping was the way to go that day!

Apr 22, 2011 06:13 PM