I saw a Bobcat on the mountain for the very first time today. I’ve seen them for years over in the headlands, but never on Mount Tamalpais. It was fun to catch a glimpse of this one that looked to be a male and in very good health. I'd guess its weight to be about 30 lbs. I sighted him just below the Double Bow Knot junction with Railroad Grade. He was running down the trail towards me, and then diverted into the brush.
Seeing wildlife is one of my favorite things about mountain biking. I’ve enjoyed seeing California King Snakes, Rattle snakes, Bobcats, a variety of raptors, wild turkeys, Coyotes, and the list goes on. I’ve not seen a Mountain Lion yet, but I know that they’re up on the mountain. Close friends of mine have seen them up there, and I just hope to see one before it sees me. ;-) 
Today I started thinking about Thanksgiving and just how different it will be for me tomorrow. How is it possible that in one short year I’ve gone from the host of some 18 consecutive Thanksgivings with family, to being an orphan at a dinner of other orphans like me? It’s stunning really, but I’m going to try to go with the flow. As a funny side note, I asked what I could bring. Mind you, I used to put on the whole show. I was asked to bring my iPod! That’s pretty darn funny after years of ordering turkeys, thinking about the vegetarians in the family, etc. I’m going to need to sit on my hands tomorrow afternoon so that I don't get in the way.
I imagine that as I ride around Pine Mountain tomorrow, while on the morning’s festive ride out of Fairfax, that I’ll be reflecting a lot about family, current and past. The last year has splintered relationships and caused irreparable damage where there was warmth and admiration before. Time will tell how things play out, but the dust has not nearly settled from the storm that was unleashed on me during the last year. Until the then, I’m just going to keep on pedaling forward on my journey back to health.
Distance: 17.61 miles
Calories burned: 1,589
Time: 1:39:32 hours
Elevation gain: 2,356
Garmin Connect ride details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/19607178
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