I Had a Skunk Encounter
I got my stuff together after winning the coin toss and biked down to the lake, arriving and unpacking at about 9:30 all in all. I quickly realized the difficulties I would face without a car: no storage for my stuff, which meant anyone could just walk up to my backpack and loot my wallet and keys. I looked around for a place to stash my backpack only to see my first skunk of the night only a few feet away. Unfortunately, I deliberately drove down to the lake in street clothes so that I wouldn't risk contaminating my bicycle. By the time I changed into my skunked clothing the skunk was gone, either having ducked into the brush or, perhaps, into a hidey-hole near the marina.
I did, luckily, find another little stinker shortly after suiting up and chased him down with my loyal plush skunk Penelope in hand, tossing her directly at his rump and getting her freshly perfumed. I wanted to get myself tagged as well, but the little guy found a small pipe to duck into and naturally couldn't be pursued further.
The remainder of my attempts to get sprayed were bogged down by the fact I would either find them too far to catch up with on foot, or (after I'd given up in defeat and put my street clothes back on to leave) took too long for me to break out Penelope and my flashlight. I might've cruised the whole golf course as usual if I had someone watching my stuff, or a place to keep it out of sight. I get super-paranoid that people will steal my stuff ever since my dresser full of clothes was stolen in October. Once it started feeling like rain I headed quickly home only to find that there was no risk of rain and I was probably just feeling the humidity changing. I did see one last skunk kit off the side of the road, but a passing motorist scared her into the brush and while I think I saw her come back out, I couldn't find her with my flashlight.
Penelope, at least, reeks beautifully, though of course I would've rather it been both of us sprayed and not just her. I really wish I had a car again, that made this so much more convenient. If I had a car AND disposable bike, I could just chase on bike and guarantee a proper skunking every time. Alas, I won't ruin a $325 bicycle by getting it sprayed, I'd never be able to bring the bike indoors again, and it's my primary transportation now.
I did, luckily, find another little stinker shortly after suiting up and chased him down with my loyal plush skunk Penelope in hand, tossing her directly at his rump and getting her freshly perfumed. I wanted to get myself tagged as well, but the little guy found a small pipe to duck into and naturally couldn't be pursued further.
The remainder of my attempts to get sprayed were bogged down by the fact I would either find them too far to catch up with on foot, or (after I'd given up in defeat and put my street clothes back on to leave) took too long for me to break out Penelope and my flashlight. I might've cruised the whole golf course as usual if I had someone watching my stuff, or a place to keep it out of sight. I get super-paranoid that people will steal my stuff ever since my dresser full of clothes was stolen in October. Once it started feeling like rain I headed quickly home only to find that there was no risk of rain and I was probably just feeling the humidity changing. I did see one last skunk kit off the side of the road, but a passing motorist scared her into the brush and while I think I saw her come back out, I couldn't find her with my flashlight.
Penelope, at least, reeks beautifully, though of course I would've rather it been both of us sprayed and not just her. I really wish I had a car again, that made this so much more convenient. If I had a car AND disposable bike, I could just chase on bike and guarantee a proper skunking every time. Alas, I won't ruin a $325 bicycle by getting it sprayed, I'd never be able to bring the bike indoors again, and it's my primary transportation now.
41-45, M