It was clear and cool this morning. A welcome sign that summer is almost over. The weather reminded me of a late August morning in 1995. Diane & I had just purchased a small RV park on the northern shore of Lake Michigan. It was less than 1/4 mile from the mouth of Thompson Creek. Brown Trout, Steelhead, Coho, and Chinook Salmon could be found there.
While RV park duties occupied most of my time, I did take an hour a day for fishing. That was at daybreak, before most campers were stirring. The first decision of the day was crank bait or dry fly?
This particular morning, on the creek path, I heard a dog approaching. My dog was home asleep. So I used a flashlight to see it. Big surprise! The dog was a skunk. A skunk in the handstand, prespray position. It was close, within 10'. The situation was dire, escape unlikely, consequences grim.
A plan came to mind, talk my way out. Become the skunk's newest, best friend. So I reasoned with it in a quiet, non-threatening voice. I apologised for the disturbance, suggested we discuss it and look for a peaceful solution. I don't remember exact words or speech length, but the skunk acquiesced. It dropped down, turned tail, and trotted off.
This may sound like a "tall tale", or "shaggy-skunk story", but it's true. You have my word on that!