by Bob Jardine
Last night I was observing at Coyote Lake. I was hoping for some company, but none of you showed up...at least I hope that wasn't you!
Late during twilight, while I was waiting quietly for real darkness, I heard the most amazing crashing and banging. Obviously some animal(s) going after the trash cans at the North end of the parking lot. I said to myself, geeeez, I didn't know they had bears here. I couldn't see them, and I definitely wasn't going over to inspect, being alone and all that, so I don't know what kind of animals they were. But they were sure making some big-time noise. One of the trash cans must have rolled down a hill...I was expecting to hear a big splash as it landed in the lake, but I guess it didn't quite make it. About 20 minutes later, same noises, perhaps a little quieter, from the South end of the lot. I guess they were making the rounds.
About an hour later, I heard the pitter-patter of little feet on the parking lot. Sounded like my dog sounds on the driveway at home, so I'm guessing that it was the park's namesake or some other similar pack animal. Didn't bother me...I guess he/she was just taking a short-cut across the lot.
Oh, yeah, the observing was pretty good too. No clouds, pretty dark, mild (but not quite shirt-sleeves). I caught a few PNs and GCs in Sag and Sco (working on SAC 110, RASC 110, and Herschel 400). It started to get very slightly wet at around midnight...I packed up and headed out at 12:30. There was plenty of fog as soon as I crested the hill and headed down into Gilroy...