Depressed deer

So, took a road trip this weekend, and had an absolute blast. Hadn't intended to stay the night anywhere-just go for a drive up the Oregon Coast, have a nice dinner, and then come back...

But...

...It is not fun attempting to drive Highway 101 at dusk or after dark. Coley and I discovered this during our move here-as we traveled in her Toyota Camry followed by an overloaded Budget rental truck driven by a friend...

...from out of nowhere a little deer leapt from the brush and froze-just long enough for us to make eye contact with each other before we slammed on the brakes, swerving wildly and watching in amazement as the deer jumped straight up, did a complete 360, and then bounded off into the forest on the other side of the road...missing certain death by millimeters...

...and us nearly ending up with a Budget truck suppository...

"Deer Crossing" signs are along the highway apporximately every 3 feet (little prancing 'gay' deer silhouttes as my ex used to say)...Coley pulled over and just trembled for a while before we drove on...

...then the "Deer Crossing" signs turned into "Elk Crossing" signs...

...we were next expecting the "Moose Crossing" ones, followed by "Elephants in Road"..."Watch for Water Buffalo"..."Low Flying Pterodactyls Ahead"...

...And we still do not understand why the deer around here are so persistently depressed, throwing themselves into traffic. Coley suggested a big deer Prozac air delivery might be in order. Maybe group counseling?

So, rather than try to brave the dark highway last night, I stayed in Coos Bay and met some wonderful folks, listened to some live music, sang some karaoke...ate some venison...