05-19-2006, 04:07 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Raccoons are definitely up there on the list of what to avoid while tubing. They are fearless in the water and are nasty fighters. Guys that chase coons with hounds all have stories about dogs that were killed or badly wounded after following a big boar coon into the water.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Although a lot less common, otters are a special treat to see while on the water. I used to watch them along creeks as a kid in Idaho. I have only seen one while tubing and it was in a big slack water area below a dam down in Arizona. I heard a wierd noise and looked around to see the head of a young otter just a few feet away from my tube. I tried communicating by sucking on the back of my hand, to make a squeeking noise. The otter then made about three or four trips around my tube, porpoising and watching me out of the corner of its eye.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It finally had enough of the wierd human in the donut and headed off downstream to do some fishing of its own. Fun experience.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In Salt Water I have had up close and personal encounters with sea lions and once with a giant sea turtle. Ever tried telling a lovesick sea turtle that you have a headache?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Never any sharks, though, unless you count the ones I have hooked while fishing for other species. Usually small ones. Not dangerous and fun to play with.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Although a lot less common, otters are a special treat to see while on the water. I used to watch them along creeks as a kid in Idaho. I have only seen one while tubing and it was in a big slack water area below a dam down in Arizona. I heard a wierd noise and looked around to see the head of a young otter just a few feet away from my tube. I tried communicating by sucking on the back of my hand, to make a squeeking noise. The otter then made about three or four trips around my tube, porpoising and watching me out of the corner of its eye.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It finally had enough of the wierd human in the donut and headed off downstream to do some fishing of its own. Fun experience.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In Salt Water I have had up close and personal encounters with sea lions and once with a giant sea turtle. Ever tried telling a lovesick sea turtle that you have a headache?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Never any sharks, though, unless you count the ones I have hooked while fishing for other species. Usually small ones. Not dangerous and fun to play with.[/#0000ff]
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