I like to hike. I’m not very good at it. I am incredibly slow. On occasion, I look like Golem crawling olong the rocks as I talk to myself. I give all credit to sturdy hiking boots and my hiking stick, Samwise, for me not twisting an ankle. When I go out, I love having some time to myself, looking at the views, and becoming an unpaid member of the bird paparazzi.
I have had a few chances to take beautiful photos and videos of birds and deer. I’m sure there was a squirrel out there hosting a documentary on weird things humans do. Sometimes they pose. Most of the time, they trust that I’m not a threat and go through their daily routines. I keep my distance as much as I can, yet I have had moments.
One Sunday morning, I was walking through Acker Park and paused to look out over Oddfellows Cemetery. I was thinking about when I was a little girl and would ask my dad to hike everywhere for the view and wondered if this was one of the overlooks I had dragged him to. Turning around, I saw a shaggy dog walking toward me. It wasn’t a dog, though. A coyote, walking right in the middle of the path. There was no way to avoid it. My mind whirled through all the things I should do so we could peacefully carry on our own paths without issues. I chose the strange one. “HI!” I said. Without a pause, the coyote scrambled its legs like it was in a cartoon and launched itself down the hill on the other side.
On the flip side of the scenario, I was on the Butte Creek Trail one afternoon, passing huge houses and congratulating myself on my progress, when I looked up and saw what I thought were lawn ornaments. They were deer. Looking down at me. I was able to get a photo of them. Then, I walked around the corner. Another deer was on the other side. *SNUFF* That was the sound it made. Just snuff. I apologized for existing in the area and was sure I was going to be stalked by that buck for the rest of the hike. I found out, later, that the sound I heard was the deer warning the other deer that I was a threat. (I’m sure it was my straw hat) All I know is when my cat makes that sound, she’s about to pounce on me. I wasn’t taking chances.
The point of this is perspective. The last thing I expected was for a coyote to run away in terror because of a greeting. Meanwhile, the usually quiet deer took a stand and scared me. If you have ever been told that you’re not enough or that you’re too timid, just stand a little taller and pretend that you’re not scared. It’s all in the energy you project.
I believe in you.
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