BEAST TALES
Thank You to Don Bush & John Hopkins for the wonderful artwork!

       I am insulted.
Belleayre Beach has started offering this new activity called an Eco-hunt.  And they did not include me.
 The Eco-hunt is essentially a treasure hunt – at Belleayre Beach it revolves around some of the animals that live in the park.  There are poems and maps and clues and hidden canisters.  And interesting facts about the animals hunters are hunting. 
Here’s what they say:  “They Eco-hunt is an independent activity for people of all ages – encouraging exploration of the Belleayre Beach Day Use Area beyond the beach.  Young childen should be accompanied by an adult.  Older children need the permission of an adult to participate on their own.
“Six Eco-canisters containing Hunt Cards are hidden in various locations in the park.
“Inside each Eco-canister you will find a HUNT CARD (this is your quarry), an Eco-hunt Log and a pencil.  Each canister holds a different card – collect all six.”
Hunters get a clue sheet and a Belleayre Beach map and a poem about each animal.  Find the canisters with the enclosed cards.  Hunt Cards have a picture and unusual facts about each animal.
Why didn’t they include me?  What’s more unusual than a huge, wild cat that’s roamed the Catskill Mountains for 10,000 years – a one-of-a-kind bobcat relative that skis and writes and swims (but does not talk).
You want a poem.  Well here’s my poem:
                I am a large feline
                        I’m handsome and bold.
                        I’ve lived here for centuries.
                        I’m ancient, not old.

                        A “freak” some have called me
                                Because of my age.
                                I’m Lucky, I counter.
                                I’m wise and I’m sage.

                                Don’t know why I’ve lived
                                For so many years.
                                I’ve seen glaciers and mammoths
                                Now autos and skiers.

                                I love my home mountains,
                                Belleayre most of all.
                                I’m thankful to be here
                                Each spring, summer, fall.

                                Winter’s my favorite
                                Season to be
                                The Beast of Belleayre
                                ‘Cause I love to ski.

So there’s my poem, penned by the Most Interesting Feline in the World.

I should be part of the Eco-hunt.

Oh well.  You can try the Eco-hunt at Belleayre Beach on Sundays. 

BEAST TALE ARCHIVES
Eco Hunt
Weeds
Inside out
Sounds
Cavities
Beast Returns
Utsayantha
Names
Responsibility
Winter Stars
Snowmaking History
Snowmaking
Ski Tech History
It Snowed
Stick Season
Skyride
Winter Forecast
Irene
Bears Will Be Bears
Natives
Aliens
Classic Resort
Pine Hill Lake & Swimming
Catskill Divide
The Glen
The Pine Hill Lake
Why
Origins
Water

Read on...more articles about the Belleayre Beast and see photos of the beast doing what he does best ... being a beast at Belleayre Mountain!