Day 99 on The Pacific Crest Trail, My first cougar encounter and rain!!!

[@jackvanderhyde8828]

We have a lot of cougars on Vancouver Island. You did allrite. By making yourself look big and intimidating it by making noise. If a cougar stalks you, you gotta confront it. Throwing rocks help too. And always carry a big stick. You're pretty brave, girl. Respect, so I subscribed. When a cougar attacks, it is usually from behind. It'll try to immobilize you by snapping your neck. It will try and claw for your belly to rip it open. So protect your neck, as you did by your backpack and sleeping pad.

[@susieturk1]

Scary but cool. That's a good Mantra. Great job girl I'm just catching up on your videos. I watched your slab City last night. the stories you will have to tell!!

[@christinamarie3598]

Beautiful...just beautiful ❤️ what an amazing hike! Air horn...small air horn...scares the pee out of the cat....bears too...harmeless to the animals and you.....alerts anyone around there is an issue. Grew up in southern California...loved to hike.

[@AGloriousLife]

At at 7:45 when you mention "deer" or something, there appears to be a deer with its head bent down, slightly over your shoulder in the trees...? But then again, I could be creating shapes out of trees. :)

[@mykirbs2002]

Wow any thought or sight of a cougar or bear would scare the poop out of me! But those trees, that was an incredible force to do that bending. Crazy..

[@steveduffy5784]

Hey wild child - I'm impressed with you and your journey. I've had 2 mountain lion encounters in the wilderness and both were huge males, and I knew if they wanted, I'd be just a plaything in their front paws. Both times I was ready to become a bigger badder cat than they were, if necessary. That once worked when I was hitchhiking and a pit bull came after me growling, snarling, and showing big teeth, and my only thought was to become a bigger badder dog than him, as I had only seconds to do something. So I let out the biggest growl I could muster, showing my teeth as well, and jumped toward him, all of a sudden he tucked his tail between his legs and took off like a scared little rabbit. Anyway, enjoying your journey - happy trails.

[@deoppressoliber1282]

Coming back to revisit your journey, Kate, you and IBTAT motivated me to sign up for the 2020 PCT but that got snuffed out with the advent of the COVID buffoonery. Trying again; I scored a date a month earlier than expected of March 2nd for 2022.

[@andon32111]

Take a look at 13:37 the detailed foreground contrasted by the dreamy whites. Like peeking into a dream.

[@tinasan3870]

Would Bear spray work ? If a mountain lion attacks, would spray in the eyes make them back down ?

[@aaronhorton134]

Tina San you’d be better off trying than not I’d imagine.

[@tinasan3870]

@@aaronhorton134 definately agree. I'd have it in my pocket - ready and available.

[@toddbirge2800]

next time that happens ,take off your hood.take off your hood so you can hear whats going on around you.yes you are going to get wet,but you will be able to hear something stalking you.and a side note you are awesome for having the courage for doing what you do.i love your energy.be safe ,but be adventurous.

[@italopetrucci8814]

In the way of saint James in Spain i was chaised by a german shepperd. I was so scaried. It was big

[@andon32111]

4:37

[@richardross7219]

That tornado torn area in NY was when the thunderstorm came up. You guys were so nice to put up the tarp and let others in. I pointed it out to Try Try(Act Old Later) when she was thinking about getting a big poncho a few months ago. She said that she knew you. You really should have waited for Snake Eyes when you saw the puma. They can be very dangerous. Good Luck, Rick

[@davidmartinez7732]

I live close to the Santa Cruz Mountains and there are lots and lots of mountain lions there. I am always extra cautious when I hike to the top of Mt. Uhumanum or at Quicksilver because there are always mountain lion warnings on the trails. Stay safe Feathers I am really enjoying your adventure! PS my old trail name from the 90's was Robo Hiker it brings back a lot of great memories watching you and all the other PCT hikers.

[@LindaWolfe20]

A bit scary here watching you from my computer... I would not be out there alone period. I could tell you was terrified..and I would be too..

[@leoncontorno6763]

Three years back,on iron mountain near pollock pines,as much as my two dogs kept bears away a lot of bears.when a large cougar apeared outside my camp both dogs ran back two me and sat at my side.after investigating I found prints of a lion wich were bigger than my fist. Stay safe.

[@chelseadanielle1464]

Those yellow flowers are Eriogonum species, also known as wild buckwheat! Many different kinds and they live all over, from the coast/beaches to the mountains. Super cool. Also holy cow your mountain lion encounter was nuts! I was like begging you to make noise hahaha til you finally hit your trekking poles together. Def their territory in that part of NorCal. Glad you lived to see another day! Looking forward to seeing you finish!

[@kikionthetrailoflove7036]

Multiple KZbin vloggers have encountered Cougars in that section. It's all part of the greatest experience of your life.

[@patriotkennethburlingham7059]

I had an encounter with a cougar in the Big South Fork area of eastern Tennessee a few weeks ago while thru-hiking the Sheltowee Trace trail and nobody believed me.... It was big! I was night hiking. Don't know if it was stalking me either.

[@HolisticHikes]

Patriot / Kenneth Burlingham no mountain lions in Tennessee

[@yokehuatgoh]

your backpack makes you look bigger, esp. that sleeping pad. don't forget, yelling and throwing stuff at it helps too.

[@ericvaneck4296]

What happened to your train whistle? That could have been a good noise to use with the cougar.

[@djg5950]

She said in an earlier video (in the comments) that she sent it home because she didn't meet enough people (pass them) to have enough use for it.

[@paulgoeke758]

Most of us will never understand, or fully comprehend what you're dealing with on a daily basis. Take care of yourself, Kate Cloud.

[@octavidalforcedge.4045]

That's the reason why people like nature!!,. so that they can run into circumstances like that on purpose. Not that they want to get attacked,. but that they can at least understand nature on a one-on-one basis,. It's like a direct conversation with mother nature.

[@paulgoeke758]

@@octavidalforcedge.4045 I'm gonna have to agree to disagree on this one, sorry. The comment wasn't made with the intent of be disheartening, but more enlightening. That we care, that I care. And not just about the cougar incident, but more so along the lines of everyday life on the trail. The stress, emotions, frustrations, heck maybe just not being able to get a decent cup of coffee when you need it. From Mexico, all the way to Canada. As for the reason for being out there, everyone has their own. Congrats on 100 Feathers. Once again, sorry if this came across the wrong way.

[@octavidalforcedge.4045]

No reason to make a technical response. My belief is mine yours is yours have a great day!.

[@octavidalforcedge.4045]

Cheers¡¡¡!!!

[@octavidalforcedge.4045]

❤

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my hiking friend, thank you for sharing this video. Cougars can be pretty scary. Do you still have your train whistle? I've only one cougar out in the wild. He ran across the road in front of me and then up a hill. He was only about 40 feet away. I must have smelled pretty bad because I never saw him again. Your filming continues to be 5*****, two thumbs up. All the best to you out there. Do you have bear spray with you? Be safe. 🤗

[@gypsydanger2271]

I'm a bit jealous, I still have on my list; a big cat, a moose, and a bison...I've seen plenty of bear, elk, deer, horses, and antelope (pronghorn). A safe distance would be good, but we don't see them until were on top of them! I love to see wildlife. I feel it's been diminishing the past couple of decades. Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@rosiejase]

i too would love to see a moose and a big cat! Also, a snake. I haven't seen a snake in its natural habitat in two decades, and I live near the smokies

[@gypsydanger2271]

@@rosiejase There are lots of snakes in Florida, Rosie. Garters, Racers, Corral, Water Moccasins,and Eastern Diamondback Rattlers. I have also seen rattlesnakes out west a couple of times Western Diamondback Rattlers...mostly in the desert.

[@rosiejase]

Very cool!! I think I would be like starstruck if I saw one. It would be like seeing Madonna out and about lol

[@davidcox9115]

.that cougar just wanted to see the most adorable hiker on the trail...you have the most pleasant personality, stay safe...

[@ronaldredmond6931]

Hi Kate. We met in Joplin.

[@scottriggle8039]

I've seen bears on 2 or 3 hikes they are shy and almost always walk away. They only go after people if they are starving or you're to close to the cubs. Cougars are a little more sneaky and aggressive than bears, with a cougar it does help to have someone with you. One time when my dad and I were hiking right after the snow melt, 2 thin young bears were eyeing our camp, they didn't run away when they saw us which was odd so we left camp to refill water bottles. When we came back to camp they had rummaged through everything but couldn't get any food and ripped our tent in frustration. California gets most of its rain between November and March rain, during the summer its not unusual to go 3 to 5 months without rain. Moss doesn't grow below the snow level if the trees are covered with moss down to a certain level that is the winter snow depth.

[@mattmcconnell6703]

Seems like I heard it is a good idea to paint a face on the back of your hoodie or pack, since big cats like to sneak up behind us and a face is a deterrent

[@diamonddaveadventures4377]

OK! SCARY! The only thing Diamond Dave is concerned with running into in the wilderness...mountain lion! So good to see you and Batman and Horse at Trail Days! You guys ROCK! Stay Srong, Hike On DD

[@KateCloud]

It was such a great surprise to see you there!!! Appreciate you firend!

[@rjahn3000]

You need to carry a couple of bear bangers they are designed to scare bears but work on mountain lions too:)

[@michaelnelson3469]

You are very brave.

[@bquade70]

Way cool Kate 👍

[@josephbingham1255]

I knew a lady western artist in Tombstone, Arizona named Majorie Reed. She where ever she lived she could always scare them away from the house by banging on a metal pan with a large metal spoon. "They can't stand that"

[@RK-ti2qq]

Almost became a snack. Like literally.

[@sophiehellinger]

For future reference, you need to scream really loudly but in a deep voice if you see a mountain lion. Clap at it, scream, make a lot of noise. Don’t just stay quiet and try to spot it because you won’t spot it or hear it. It knows where you are.

[@MustangSally7259]

2019..., watching some old videos..........❤❤👍

[@blueskyfanclub]

That place with bended trees creeped me out... seriously didn’t look like the wind did that because other trees were not bent. Looked very squatchy...

[@oldebeard1966]

Very intense this was.. kept my attention.. hike on Kate. Remember to always check your back when hiking in the woods.

[@brianbassett4379]

Nice job kid. Remember to be carefulfor what you wish. Good luck.

[@kellyjohnson3617]

Cougars are no joke. Bears aren’t as scary as a top predator like a cougar. Usually they don’t go after people but if they are desperate or feel threatened they have been known to attack. Smart to keep a neck knife 🔪 in you. Wave your poles over your head and clack together to make yourself look bigger. They are such amazing creatures. That black tail deer was beautiful. Quite a huge rack on him too. Smart to not camp on the ridge with thunder in the forecast. Stay safe. Plus down the hill is always warmer and you don’t want icy conditions when it’s raining. Hail is not fun to camp in.

[@returnofthemac8179]

I thought that bears were a top predator? Well, at least Grizzlies and Polar bears.

[@josephchampagne9134]

kelly Johnson Are you kidding? Grizzly bears are much more dangerous than cougars. Cougars don't prey on humans, tend to avoid us, and only attack if cornered or threatened. Cougars are also significantly smaller on average than an adult human. On the other hand, a mother grizzly with cubs will attack you if you're anywhere near her vicinity. You can fight off a cougar, good luck trying to fight off a grizzly. A guy was dragged off in his sleep and killed just a few days ago by a grizzly bear while camping in Canada, how often do you hear about a cougar killing someone? Imagine being charged by a grizzly and you'll wish you were facing off with a cougar instead.

[@Dstew57A]

16:23-24...something black whizzed back and forth below near the left on the ground...bizarre looking...

[@MaxZomboni]

D Stew Good catch, but it was just the sun reflecting on the camera lense. You can see a lot of reflection in that entire clip. It looks like she may have been holding her hands on the side to keep the sun off the lense too. Since her finger came into view for a second at 16:04.

[@returnofthemac8179]

I thought that it might have been a crow or raven.

[@MaxZomboni]

Return Of the Mac It could be, but if it is, I think it's a reflection of one, probably off to the right passing in front of the sun.

[@timhayes1831]

Kate and a Cup of Coffee!

[@yosemitesam6945]

It looks like a lot of those trees are marked for logging.

[@rrrobeltnest7295]

Good luck out there..

[@hennagal7360]

Maybe one of those personal alarms where you pull the cord and it sirens very loud would scare a cougar or bear off ?

[@isaacstone7899]

When you guys know that there are cougar and bears and wolves in front of you. Don’t panic or attempt run away, they will chase you quickly. Just stand and raise your pole and hit the ground or wipe the ground direct their sights to let them know that you saw them. They will retreat and wait next attempt attack. You guys need to break twigs that longer enough to make you look like more than 10 feet with leaves. Just keep hit the ground in front of you and walk toward to them. They will run away but they will wait next attempt. When you see them wait for next attempt, just pick dried stick or dirty with some small rocks then throw in the front of them, keep throw until they ran away. Not to hurt them with big rocks and big stacks. When you know that there a mother cougar or bear or wolf don’t attempt follow or scare her. She will angry and attack you without afraid because she needs to protects her cubs. Sometimes you have to respect and leave their territory, because they have live there for a while to nurse their cubs until they can walk then a mother will lead them to new locates. You don’t want to scare them run away and leave their cubs without nurse. Sometimes I didn’t not expect that there was a wolf pass me away from my behind on same trail I walked forward.

[@danielkutcher5704]

I'm thinking, "Girl, WHY do you keep ringing the dinner bell? No more train whistle? Glad that you have friends close by! It's totally ok that you didn't catch the cougar on your video. Stay safe.

[@belle.ambrxs]

Beautiful view. You're so brave and stay safe! 👍

[@annahasty7191]

🤤 very scary....my heart was pounding ...WOW!

[@cavetreasures5475]

Beauty!

[@thomkirby9173]

Smiles saw one back on her day 134 video and was able to record it. not the same one as I believe you guys passed each other a week before.... you can check it out on "Daisy hikes" day 134, she runs into a couple bears and a snake in the last two weeks or so,

[@nhlibra]

@:10:00...a couple of elderberry bushes. Nature's medicine, I couldn't live without it.

[@kenoman9997]

just came across this vid. very brave to go it without a firearm. best wishes and safe travels!

[@garydavis807]

Three things im scared of out there: Cougars, Cougars and 👽.

[@TicklerDude]

3 things I'm scared of: Democrats, Democrats, and Non-Republicans.

[@returnofthemac8179]

No Bigfoot on your list?

[@cmdoggy24]

FLexxxtreme I watch hiker videos to get away from politics. Can I please watch one fucking video without seeing something about Democrats or Republicans for fucks sake? Go out on a hike and you won’t be so worried about Democrats

[@djg5950]

@@cmdoggy24 Ha ha ha ! You have a point there, though. No one wants to hear about anything that has to do with politics. That's why most hike or get out in the wilderness. To get away from that crap.

[@frolege1]

@@cmdoggy24 .... thanks

[@trakyboy5128]

Just love that part of the country...

[@kathyleners600]

COLORS are REALLY PoPpeN since it Rained !! BEAUTIFUL

[@I_Am_Michael]

your first cougar? I take it you mean besides yourself. have a safe hike and love those videos.

[@memathews]

A cougar! That wake you up fast, get a little adrenaline running. We've got video from experiments using human voices talking, cougars run from that sound even if they are feeding, you might try that with a low pitched voice (high pitches may sound like a wounded animal). Good seeing you at PCT Days, hope you're mending.

[@BarqB]

you walked through Squatchville

[@keithcarper8809]

Goodness Kate! There was a lady hiking with her dog, when she saw a mountain lion stalking her. She used her phone, picked the loudest heavy metal tune and cranked the volume. The cat left! As I would have. Thanks Kate!

[@edb5402]

Those tree bends at 15:00 look like the work of the mighty sasquatch!!

[@pennywollett3953]

Yup I agree

[@felipecastellon4740]

There was a cougar in my campground in '96. Yeah, scary. It also got something. I think a raccoon.

[@tinasan3870]

The raccoons come around for food leftovers and trash, and the cougar came for the raccoons. The food chain.

[@Guitarsdetectors]

You were in bow range of that buck!

[@rumblechick73]

She was in camera range, even better! LOL

[@gaylewalker4239]

Stay safe out there. Keep trekking.

[@markviereck4547]

First thing you should do when you see a Mountain Lion. Raise your hands high to make yourself look bigger, Second, scream as loud as you can. Do not run. Absolutely do not run. In nature all predators will then chase. They attack from the back. They like to sit high on a rock or a tree and wait for something to walk by. They they jump you

[@professorsogol5824]

Exactly. From the US Forest Service brochure: -- Do not hike alone - Hike in groups -- Avoid dawn and dusk excursions -- Do not approach the lion - give the lion an escape route -- Do not run -- Do not crouch down or bend over -- Try to make yourself bigger: Raise your arms, open your jacket, wave your arms SLOWLY, speak firmly in a loud voice. -- Fight back if attacked. www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/mountain-lions So you should have retreated slowly without turning your back on the lion and waited for the person behind you on the trail

[@SinMore]

Don’t give this girl advice! ....who are you? Joe Pro backpacker king? I already met that guy on the JMT. Yawn!

[@octavidalforcedge.4045]

Wow kate!!!. It's strange,. I just asked u on one of your videos If you ever saw a mountain lion?,. And the response was from another lady,. Whom said in this video. It's weird!!,.because it's only one video Behind when I asked that question hahaha!! LOL. I'm glad you're good!. And okay!. I'll have to find time to watch the entire video after my nap,. LOL.🌹🌷❤

[@ChippewaFilms]

Don't ring the diner bell, the cougar might think that diner is served.

[@tootsla1252]

Generally, a slow-moving adult hiker with a load of gear does not look like lunch to a mountain lion. A swift moving trail runner scantily clothed in shorts and a tank top is way more interesting - lunch and something to chase / lotsa fun. Just stop moving and make noise.

[@willardwooten9582]

Cougar attacks are very rare but they do happen !! 2018 was the worst when a Bicyclist was injured and his friend with him died from a cougar attack in North Bend , Wa . also a lady was killed near Mt. Hood last year . DON'T RUN that's what the cyclist did.

[@kreynolds6424]

That was a "huge beautiful buck"....... 👣

[@zackbrown6723]

Epic adventures I spent 1 year on the app and pct half of mid p . Ever get around ocala hit us up

[@yellowroseoftexas2890]

Really epic adventures and beautiful scenic colors. The trees seemed to be bowing to the ground. Hail can devastate nature. What happened to Horse.thank you for sharing. Stay safe.

[@zenandink3531]

A mountain lion killed a 12 year old boy in CO a few years ago-he was just a little ways apart from his family so make a lot of noise a look big

[@joanieminton5609]

Running into that cougar was really scary, but at least it wasn't a bear. Do you carry bear spray? 🐾🐈🐻

[@HolisticHikes]

Joanie Minton cougars pose bigger threat then a bear

[@joanieminton5609]

@@HolisticHikes I would use the bear spray on the cougar.....it least, it would be some type of defense.....

[@HolisticHikes]

Joanie Minton agreed. I actually think bear spray might be your best bet for a cougar.

[@delmorejr1950]

Your neighbors eating each other in the night, and then... you come up on the critter that was most likely doing the eating. Most likely not hungry, I'm guessing that would be a good thing. Scary but interesting and a tale for the ages. Interesting how everything is forest, except that large barren area. Those orange berries appear to be the fruit of the Mountain Ash, they are edible but bitter depending on the variety. Apparently birds like them later in the season. Not a fan of fruit that is bitter. Boy the fella would make a good meal for you cougar friend. Took so pretty strong and sustained winds to do that to the trees. Rain is better that fire. Did Snake Eyes come across the Cougar? SAFE HIKING

[@johneason6540]

What a day! Next time hold the trek poles above your head and click them together, makes you look larger, shout at them. But a very interesting sitting

[@HolisticHikes]

John Eason this would make you sound like a deer actually

[@toxicgraphix]

Most wild animals are scared of humans. Best thing to do is to make a lot of noise and don't act like their prey. I might be stupid but I would run towards it screaming like freaking maniac waving anything you have to make you look bigger. I've heard those auto open umbrellas scare the crap out of most animals..

[@djg5950]

Ha ha ! I thought about doing that too ! "This one is too crazy for me, I'm out of here !"

[@shanehillbillyledford1167]

Your so cute

[@gregmorin8757]

I didnt see it

[@thuggoe]

dang, really lilke your rain gear

[@skiplauderbaugh5058]

Kate, You were in a dangerous situation- that mountain lion killed something the night before and was still hungry - and you could have been on his menu.... Mountain lions are powerful killing predators - they can leap 25’ from a stand still - stay FAR Away ! They will often hide in bushes and attack from there - if there is a next time wait for someone else before you continue on the trail , safety in numbers .

[@rondill8429]

Did anyone else here the Dinner Bell at 1:42 Time for Cougars to eat tender young ladies out on the Pacific Crest Trail.... Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha Here kitty Kitty... Dinner is Served!!! Hahahahahahahahahaha

[@terryalires7031]

You need bear spray works on any animal

[@marlenemcmillan8891]

Are you travelling alone...

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

BREATHTAKING COLORS &VIEWS! GLAD YOU MADE IT OUT OF THE SITUATION UNHARMED ! MAYBE HOPEFULLY HAD A FULL TUMMY & WAS JUST CURIOUS ? BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY ALWAYS ! ENJOYED !

[@flipdimock]

Well I didn't see anything.

[@tommynikon2283]

@1:43.....SHIT doesn't begin to describe what I felt. THAT got my attention- the thought of me being a cougar burger, attacked from behind.

[@stephfoxeh]

🐱

[@kathyleners600]

What happened to your TRAIN Whistle ?? might have scared him off.. or GET a Silent Dog Whistle that we can't hear !!

[@txhypnotist]

Girls & Cats =don't like it when you "Whistle at them".

[@bcarter1973]

"Feathers' Fantastic Adventures!" So jealous of you!

[@returnofthemac8179]

I don't like mountain lions. They supposedly have a fairly large range. Stay safe.

[@txhypnotist]

1000 mile circle per year.

[@antoniabaker7770]

Hello Honey :)

[@tanogtough]

You shouldn't be alone. Your such a sweet little gal, what state were you in?

[@markviereck4547]

That’s why I carry a pistol when I’m out in the woods. It makes me feel so much safer. I would never want to shoot anything but just in case. I had a bear outside my tent in upstate PA. It actually put his pawl on my head and pushed down. I screamed so loud that the bear was gone in a flash. Didn’t need to shoot

[@twilightdancer9000]

I totally would have crapped my pants.

[@djg5950]

Testing to see how tender you were ! The scream scared the bejesus out of it. Funny but not funny. Glad it didn't bite you.

[@beerman7079]

Always jam no remorse by metallica or some slayer when you encounter a mountain lion.scares the shit out of em thank god for thrash metal👍

[@paulgoeke758]

Going to Five Finger and Three Days Grace, Dec 11th! Rock on Dude!!

[@jimmac5688]

You are bit of a cougar yourself girl!

[@think7243]

Why are you hiking like this ,what’s the purpose for it anyway? Excuse me for my ignorance

[@chris15325]

I'd freak the fuck out

[@DontTrustAnybody75]

No shit cougars are killers you're brave girl...

[@tanogtough]

I would never do something like this without a powerful firearm.

[@aaronhorton134]

firedesire then you are missing the point. As an avid gun owner and hunter, the extra weight is not worth it. Especially since the wild life generally wants little to do with you. Do not make yourself look like prey and you’d be surprised how little the wild life wants to do with you.