Pictures for Pam, Day 49: HFF: Cyprus Forest

(+ 2 foggy panorama insets!)

Although the days are now beginning to get longer, it was still pitch black when I got up today. I peeked out and saw the reason why. Storm clouds and a thick layer of fog hung heavy over our valley and kept the dawn at bay until Pumpkin and I were downstairs and getting the day started. Finally it began to get light, hooray! :) My morning was its normal bustle of activity as I prepared for my morning exercise. It would be nice to walk in the cool foggy setting. (see my insets!)

As I started my first lap down to the gate I heard a wonderful sound. This noise made me stop walking and direct a beaming smile across the road and into a far tree.

"Bar! Bar-bar-bar-bar-BAR!" Exactly HOW does one spell the sound of an outraged grey squirrel? I found an audio file that is very close to what I was hearing if you'd like to listen for yourself: Sounds of an annoyed Gray squirrel. (Our grey squirrels have fewer "barks" that are much louder, have more of an echo sound, and their calls carry a long distance.)

I listened gleefully as a Western Grey Squirrel yelled an extremely disgruntled string of expletives at an unfortunate target nearby. "BAR-BAR-BAR! Bar! Bar-BAR-BAR-BAR!" Oh dear. Somebody was in BIG TROUBLE. I felt sorry for the recipient of the dressing-down. More yelling ensued. My eyes twinkled mischievously.

I couldn't help snickering because whenever I hear this glorious scolding, I immediately picture what it looks like. As we all know, squirrels are hopelessly fluffy. Some might even describe them as blubberously round! When they vocalize, their torsos UNGULATE with each noise! At the same time, their tails flick in time to the furious outburst! If you should be so lucky as to see this, you will likely collapse onto the ground in a helpless fit of hysterics!

I ask you: how can anything take a squirrel seriously when they deliver such a hilarious scolding?

Grey squirrels aren't usually seen on our property, but I've encountered them a few times. I'll be out taking pictures, minding my own business and suddenly I become the target of a verbal lashing of epic proportion by a grey squirrel! Why, THE NERVE! How RUDE! Looking up, I worry about acorns raining down around me!

Angry squirrel yells down at me, "HEY! HUMAN! GET OUTA HERE!!" Gasping in shock, all I can do is laugh in delight and ask for more. "What's that, Mr. Squirrelly Whirlly? I can't hear you!" Disgusted retorts ensue, "YOU HEARD ME! YOU STINK! LEAVE THIS PLACE! YOU'RE NOT WELCOME!"

Peering up through the branches I spot the pulsing body and flicking tail. I lose it. "BWAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!!!!" Outraged squirrel blasts a foul retort. "THIS IS NO LAUGHING MATTER, YOU DISPICABLE BI-PED!"

I trade insults until tears of mirth are rolling down my cheeks and my sides are hurting from my nonstop chortling. I must leave before I die laughing, so I stagger away, giggling weakly as the sounds of a victorious squirrel are heard behind me. "THAT'S RIGHT, YOU DISGUSTING EXCUSE FOR A MAMMAL! FEAR ME, FOR I AM THE MASTER OF THIS PLACE! DO NOT COME BACK HERE OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES!!" Wiping the tears from my cheeks I mumble in exhaustion, "Oh dear…I may never recover." What fun…oh how I adore tree squirrels! They have no idea how funny they are!

Turning my focus to today's picture, it's HAPPY FENCE FRIDAY! LOL, ok well it's Thursday here in the US but posting my HFF picture today works out the best. I've selected another image from our motorcycle trip back in 2016. Since it was foggy today, I picked a misty image that I hope you'll all enjoy. This particular spot was along the California coast where a Cyprus forest obscured the view of the ocean. It was a rainy day with a thick layer of fog and you can see the mist beyond the trees. This picture was taken from my spot behind Steve as we enjoyed this beautiful ride towards San Francisco.

Pam, I saw that you'd gotten to visit San Francisco not too long ago! I would have loved to try to come down from Oregon to meet you but it looks like you had a great time without any help from me! I do know that at some point Steve and I will be going on an RV trip around the US and so eventually there will be pin mark on the map where we visit you! What a fun occasion to think about. :) I can't wait to give you a real, honest to goodness *HUGGGGGGGG*!!!! :D Hope you're having a nice day my dear!

Explored on 12/28/18, highest placement, #2.