Roscoe The Magnificent

by Pawpaw Sun Nov 23, 2008 8:38 am

The Life and Death of Rosco the Magnificent
Or
Rosco’s Last Stand

Once upon one dark winter night, while hiking in the deep, treacherous Arkansas wilderness, Pawpaw was gathering up the last of the kindling for his fire. He had set up camp in a remote location, bringing all of the survival gear he could muster for the cold, lonely week of his stay. His camp was still meager; he had the bare necessities, for he believed in experiencing the ultimate challenges of nature.

Just as he stokes the fire ablaze and settled down for the night, he heard the slightest movement, a bare twig snapping in the background. He looked, focusing on the direction that he thought the sound emanated from. Peering into the darkness, he saw the slightest outline of an immense shadow. His eyes fixed on the gloom; he was sure that this was no tree or bush. This shadow grew and took the form of the biggest black bear he had ever encountered. Years of travel and mountain life had never prepared him for a beast this size. The shadow moved toward the light, hungry for scraps left from the dinner; the scent traveling through the night air. The bear was mad with hunger, for he had not had a kill in many moons. He was not concerned with the fire, nor the big man who stoked it, and was aware of his presence.

Pawpaw was ready for the bear. They stood up, almost simultaneously, facing each other, prepared to fight to the death.

Just as both man and beast prepared to face their doom, another sound came from the shadows. At that split second, Pawpaw thought, “What else could the dark night produce for me to challenge?”. To answer him, he witnessed in amazement, an entire pack of coyotes rapidly advancing across the encampment. They were led by the most magnificent, regal, noble-eyed dog of the woods. His name was Rosco. He was the bravest of all coyotes, and he loved to lead his pack into the path of danger. His legend had been alive in these mountains for many years. No mortal man had ever laid eyes on him. He was the stuff of campfire lore. He had made himself known to Pawpaw alone.

Rosco led the pack in a sprint, leaping over Pawpaw’s head to attack. Pawpaw felt the breeze of their swift movement as they passed over him and plunged into the bear, knocking him to the ground. The bear roared in surprise, but the dogs were too much for him. They overtook him, and chased him back into the night. At the last second, the bear turned around. With his giant paw, the bear slapped the lead coyote, the faithful Rosco, mortally wounding him. As the pack chased the bear away, Rosco limped over to the fire to seek warmth. Pawpaw knew he had to try to save him. He gathered the bleeding body together in his arms, and hiked the eleven miles out of the greenbelt to civilization. But alas, his effort were for nought. Rosco could not make it out. He died in Pawpaw’s arms there at the edge of the woods where he had so valiantly lived.

In return, the only thing that Pawpaw knew he could do for him would be to immortalize him, and tell his magnificent tale.

Believe, or not. It is your choice. But when you are in the deep woods, listen for the howl of the coyote. In that sound, Rosco will live forever.

This amazing event happened on Section 7 of the Ouachita Trail.

by Jeremy M Mon Nov 24, 2008 7:51 pm

You know, I think I have seen that very coyote before. In fact, one of the many times I was on section 8 trying to find sasquatch, that same pack of coyotes was following me. I thought they too had food on their mind, but now I know, they and Roscoe were keeping watch over me.

Dang Man, that was a cool story. And I believe it too!

by Jay Tue Nov 25, 2008 11:35 am

Good story Pawpaw.

And I too have come across that same pack of coyotes. They took good care of me, but I can't say the same for my Mountain House Lasagna...who knew the little fellas liked pasta so much?

Here's to Roscoe.

by Sponsored content

Roscoe The Magnificent

Roscoe The Magnificent

Re: Roscoe The Magnificent

Re: Roscoe The Magnificent

Re: Roscoe The Magnificent