<p>Saying goodbye is the hardest part. We dropped potter off at the airport this afternoon to fly back to Colorado. It was a great leave period and felt like she had never left home. For the new folks I will tell you it never gets any easier, just different. We all know the Academy is right for her, but the absence from home is still difficult.</p>
<p>She continues her summer tomorrow by beginning CST (Combat Survival Training). The cadets are instructed on survival and evasion techniques. She is not looking forward to killing the bunny, but I am sure after a couple of days the bunny will look pretty good.</p>
<p>killing the bunny? Please share....</p>
<p>as part of CST, the cadets must kill a rabbit and cook and eat all edible parts</p>
<p>Don't forget about the chicken!</p>
<p>Yeah Potter and I were talking about it today. They had a bunny tragedy so she is pulling for the chicken. I just hope she doesn't loose too much weight.</p>
<p>As a cadre from CST from second period I can say that the cadets are in good hands. All the cadre are very knowledgable and will not force any cadet to do anything that they do not want to. Saying that, peer pressure goes a long way and many cadets are coaxed into doing things they might not normally. Students are required to make a cut on the animal when preparing for dinner and are required to drink water collected from the environment. Aside from that nothing is mandatory. </p>
<p>Rabbits are actually relatively easy to take care of. The most humane way to kill the chicken can be tricky if not properly executed can look like the animal is still alive. It gives some students a fright but is truly humane and painless killing. Students views also change dramatically. As far as the amount of food goes, plenty of calories are provided for the students. Cadets definately lose weight however it is through the limitation of food that they truly understand the importance of knowing how to find plants to eat and how to snare properly. It is really a great program, and I am glad to see it back here at the academy.</p>
<p>wait i thought we weren't allowed to snare during cst?</p>
<p>Groogwaugh that is comforting to know. I never doubted she would be in good hands. Potter doesn't pack a lot of extra weight, and 10-15 pounds could be the difference between being blown off the T-zo or making it inside safely :) She is also not a complete stranger to the outdoors, but this will certainly be her longest camping trip :) LOL.</p>
<p>GroogWaugh, what portion of CST are you cadre for? Survival?</p>
<p>Bullet said he had no problem killing the bunny after it kept him up all night squeaking! He also said the eyeballs are chewy!</p>
<p>Thought that might be the case. That's why I was almost afraid to ask <em>gulp</em> I'm sure it is with good reason though. Glad all the cadets are doing well</p>
<p>Alas, this is why I could never be in the military...I would go into the field with my little bunny and walk out with my little bunny :) I would see it as a great way to lose weight ;)</p>
<p>I must admit when Bullet told me the story I was laughing so hard I was crying. Bullet has a flare for that! He even added in the noises that the bunny made. Back in his day they only gave out 1 bunny to the whole group, so after he was in charge of it for the night, the next morning the trainers asked for a volunteer to kill the bunny...he gladly raised his hand!</p>
<p>I was survival cadre during second period and it is illegal to actively snare and trap in Colorado, however the program teaches you to do these things in the event of truly being shot down in a survival situation. CST teaches you how to snare and the proper techniques where to do these things. We set up actual snares during demo day to show the students how to properly carry out the actions however the snares are taken down so no animals are harmed</p>
<p>I hear you! I would probably name the bunny and hide it from harm!
So I take it they give more than 1 bunny to the group now? Is this something you would say go ahead and tell my son (hopeful future cadet) or let him find out on his own? :)</p>
<p>no you could tell him, however it doesn't curb the hunger when you're sharing the rabbit and birds with 10 other students and you have to make the food last for multiple days.</p>
<p>Birds? </p>
<p>Never mind. I won't ask :)</p>
<p>I am sure I will never be hungry enough to eat a bunny! I would eat grass 1st...you know in LA there are people selling grass drinks for a lot of money :)</p>
<p>Again it just would be a great diet for me!</p>
<p>Also they can skip passing any bugs to me, I am sure I'll still be full 5 days later! LOL</p>
<p>The worst part about Bullet eating the bunny...was he came home and gave me a big kiss and said guess what I ate? He also did that on our wedding day, after the kiss when we walked back down the aisle he told me he ate the worms in the tequilla bottle...I still shiver over that.</p>
<p>Note to guys don't kiss the woman you love and say I ate bunny eyes only 2 days ago!</p>
<p>The bunny does make noises when it gets hit... especially if the person hitting it is timid and it takes numerous attempts to kill it. Then the meat is all tough. Plus, boiled bunny is not particularly tasty, although it's better than the alternative of eating nothing. :)</p>
<p>Like I wasn't concerned enough about CST :)
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Deputies and wildlife officers were looking Monday for an African lion reported by a resident to be loose in a rural part of El Paso County.</p>
<p>Sheriff's Lt. Lari Sevene said the lion was reported at about 8 a.m. in the eastern part of the county. The resident told deputies the cat had a red mane and a big tail.</p>
<p>Authorities have not seen the animal themselves. However, state wildlife division spokesman Michael Seraphin told The Gazette newspaper that photos taken by two residents show it's an African lion and not a cougar. Wildlife officials also found tracks left by the lion.</p>
<p>The search was focusing on a field about a mile and a half square.</p>
<p>"We figure he's probably just taking a nap right now," Sevine said.</p>
<p>Authorities have requested a police helicopter to search from the air.</p>
<p>Big Cats of Serenity Springs, a sanctuary in the area that houses lions, tigers, leopards and other animals, told sheriff's deputies that none of its cats were missing.</p>
<p>Sevene said deputies asked the sanctuary to double-check.</p>
<p>The sanctuary is 30 miles east of Colorado Springs and 60 miles south of Denver.</p>
<p>One thing I learned when we went camping in Alaska, if they hear enough noises they won't come close...Guessing the cadets will be close enough and making enough noises pitching tents that the noise will be loud enough.</p>
<p>Remember the trainers are close enough to make sure they are safe.</p>