There is nothing like seeing wildlife while hiking that makes one fully present (and thrilled to be alive!).

I was out by myself a few weekends ago on a trail that was quiet and secluded. As I was walking along, two "kittens" jumped out and stood there looking looking at me. I thought to myself, what are they doing out here and aren't they CUTE! I quickly noticed their tails and it dawned on me... these aren't just kittens, they're Bobcats.

Two seconds later, their "mama" came out of the bush and looked at them as if to warn them. The kittens quickly ran across the trail so I ended up between them. The mother Bobcat just sat there, looking at me and then back to her babies. I quickly but carefully, raised my camera and started shooting away. She didn't move the entire time.

I decided it was time to leave and carefully walked forward between them. In hindsight, I realize this was REALLY stupid! But obviously, I lived to tell the tale. When I turned back around, I saw the kittens run to their mother and they all went back into the wooded area. What a rush this was!