Putrid Pete's Peak, Web Mountain, Mount Defiance. The climb took me a bit longer than I expected, and I didn't realize sunset is now ~8:30; that coupled with an overcast sky meant it was starting to get fairly dark in the forest as I started coming down. Then I started thinking about mountain lions, so I started running, and did not stop till I was in my car. I don't mind bears, but the thought of being stalked in the darkness by a 150-pound cat is not to be contemplated. I didn't see a single other person, which is unusual and a bit eerie. It's nice to have at least a couple people around, if only so that there will be someone to
hear you scream.
When I left and was driving down to the freeway, I saw what appeared to be a common house cat along the side of the road ahead. This was very strange, as I don't think there are any houses or settlement within miles of that location. I must conclude that this apparition was an emissary sent from the mountain lions to make me aware that my safe passage was only due to their favorable whim.