One Bad Hombre!

Cholulo Red

 

There I was walking back alone from a hike around the west side of Eagle Mountain. The morning had broke clear and cool and it was perfect for a long walk along a back country fire road in the mountains. Went as far as the Burma Road which is an east-west trail that follows the boundary fence between the Refuge and Ft.Sill. Photography, and getting in shape for when Ron and 'Q' arrive the 24th of this month was my goal! And all was going well until -----------------!!

 

After reaching the fence the return trip was started. Reaching the top of the last hill, about a half mile from my truck, is where I should have been 'Singing' or at least been whistling 'Dixie"!

 

Coming around the bend in the road going North was Parker! Coming around the bend going South was Red! A "Bad Wreck" was 'fixin' to happen! Spaces had been invaded! Parker snapped a quick pic, Red lowered his head and charged. Parker caught Red's horns with both hands and counted the freckles on it's nose before being tossed several feet backwards! As Parker landed Red was right on top of him ready for more! Parker slapped Ol Red with his straw hat while yelling at him and I guess Red had enough because he lumbered on up the hill never looking back! WHEW!!

 

Unfortunately Red's left horn caught my right forearm when we parted company, leaving a nasty gore wound. I applied direct pressure with paper towels I had and made the half mile to the truck. Washed the open wound with bottled water and applied a better dressing from a first aid kit from the truck. Drove to camp where once again the wound was washed with a sterile solution, anti-biotic ointment, and a proper bandage dressing was applied from my supplies. Now that the bleeding was manageable the 20 mile trip to Comanche Memorial Hospital in Lawton was made.

 

Lady Luck was still riding with me as I walked into the ER. The young lady at the desk signed me in and in less than 5 minutes was being evaluated. X-Rays showed no broken bones, tendons and ligaments OK, (I already knew that because I could see them working thru the wound), !

 

Wound was flushed with an Iodine based solution and it felt wonderful!!#@&*@!! Now my nice Lady Doctor deadened all the area and began a tedious job of sewing all the mess back together from the inside out. More stitches on the inside than out. She also informed me that I would have a nice scar on my arm to remember the moment. Sounds like a good deal to me!

 

I sure do not hold any bad feelings toward Red and hope he has none towards me. He lives there and I'm just a visitor. Beyond that Ol Red was just doing what any self respecting wild animal should do. Protect Yourself from Intruders!

 

I am mending quick and have almost full range of motion in my arm and wrist. Stitches come out the 11th, so should be back in Refuge the 22nd or 23rd of this month. Think I'll bring Cholulo Red a sack of sweet feed to help his attitude!