We decided to "beat the heat" this weekend, temps were in the 90's, and planned to go camping in our RV to a gorgeous spot in the Selkirk Moutains on Kootenay Lake, about 21/2 hours north from here. It was the first time Toby had been camping and I knew he would enjoy it, as do my other three furbabies. The weekend was wonderful, cooler temperatures in the higher mountain terrain. Weather was perfect, sunny, blue skies and temps in the 70's. On our last morning, (yesterday) we decided to take a walk with the dogs and Toby on the beach, which is only a few yards away from our campsite. Toby follows like a little puppy and loves frolicking with the dogs in a great game of "tag". Unfortuantely, he found a new adventure. A tall Douglas Fir Tree and up he went! At first it was cute, but I soon realized we were all in big trouble. He climbed about 20 feet up in the tree branches and then, of course, couldn't get down. He was terrified, as was I. :( After 15 minutes of trying to coax Toby down and him just yowling at the top of his little lungs, I started to panic. We were miles away from any type of civilization, and no ladder. We search fro anything to either snare him or give us an opportunity to reach him. Nothing worked. I am in tears now, when my dh, (God Bless 'im) came up with a plan. He ran back to our site and returned with a half dozen metal stakes (like huge nails) and started hammering them into the tree to make rungs for him to climb up 10 feet or so, and he finally was able to grab Toby and pull him off the limb, sling him on his back and retreat down far enough for me to grab him. The relief was enormous, I held that kitty so tight, I thought he'd suffocate, but he just let me, as I am sure he was just as relieved to be with us again. Whew... Needless to say, Toby spent the rest of the morning in the motorhome until we left for home. Honestly, the stuff we go through with these little imps. But I am sure glad it tuned out alright. I don't know who got more kisses and snuggles, Toby or my wonderful dh. So, from now on, we are going to try and avoid any future confrontations with "trees". We have some huge Birch trees in our backyard, but they are, thankfully, surrounded by foliage, so he won't be able to get to the base. A lesson learned for him? I doubt it...I bet he's run up another tree in a heartbeat. Little monkey!!!!
