James and Sharon checked out their huge suite, amazed by the view and the luxurious accommodations. Sharon discovered a path direct from the patio off their rooms to a private beach and a crystal blue lagoon. "I am going to stretch out on the beach! It looks beautiful!"
John did not feel like laying around with so much to see. "I want to do some hiking. The kids will be fine on their own for a while."
John went outside the villa and found a path leading out to the surrounding woods. Despite Ms. Hawk's advice, he was still surprised and a little concerned by the number of animals he found wandering around. Small herds of goats, sheep, horses, buffalo, llamas, zebra, even several elephants were grazing, and most looked up to watch him. Of greater concern were the lions, wolves, and tigers that watched him walking way from the villa. He tensed as a huge striped tiger ambled close, but the animal simply sniffed, then settled down on the ground to watch him pass.
The trail wound into the surrounding forest, where he found deer, fox, and elk. It was a beautiful location, and John felt incredibly relaxed. The land started rising, rapidly becoming the foothills of rugged mountains. He had seen animals all along the way, and even noticed some of the herd animals following from a distance. While that was odd, he was not afraid of a few deer, or even the huge moose that plodded through the trees behind him.
A low, rumbling growl stopped him in his tracks and his eyes widened as a huge, dark shape rose up ahead of him. It was a massive brown bear, easily eight feet tall and five hundred pounds. John was terrified, sure that no matter what his hostess had said, this animal was ready to attack. However, the beast dropped back down to all fours and shuffled toward him slowly, snuffling curiously. Too scared to move, John held still as the bear sniffed, then licked his hand, and then sat down on its rump and opened its arms in what seemed to be an invitation for a hug.
More than a little confused, John stared at the bear, then looked around the area. He had a varied audience. The moose was alone, off to the side. A group of deer, all female, were behind him. Two rabbits watched him from behind some brush.