Escape to Wolf Mountain

" We are all filled with a longing for the wild. There are few culturally sanctioned antidotes for this yearning. We were taught to feel shame for such a desire...but the shadow of the Wild still lurks behind us during our days and our nights. No matter where we are, the shadow that trots behind us is definitely four footed."

- Women Who Run With The Wolves

Once I found out that Tonya Littlewolf and Wolf Mountain existed, I grabbed 14 frozen chicken breasts and my boyfriend and headed straight to Lucerne Valley. If you live in Los Angeles, it is a miniscule 3 hours away to play and visit with wolves.

Wolves are much bigger than you imagine and make you feel like crying. Probably because you're standing so close to what appears to be a mythical creature. Also, while you're trying to wrap your head around how unearthly beautiful they are, the animal part of you is on high-alert and freaking out that you're offering your little hand to a super-predator. You know, to give her a little rub right behind her left ear, on that one spot she likes. The whole experience is this intense mix of sacred and primal and adorable - we had to nap afterwards.

This is the second experience I've had with wolves. The first time around, the wolf found me.

Visitors are allowed into the pen with an 18 month old hybrid dog/wolf with several wolf guides.  That's a giant piece of raw meat Bob is holding.

Names of the wolves who have passed away.

The little black dog was found on the roadside so Wolf Mountain adopted him too.  You know that dog's first day there was surreal. One day you're wandering the streets alone, tired and hungry. The next minute you wake up happy with your belly full but all your neighbors are gigantic versions of you and you're not sure if they want to eat you. Life sure can be confusing.