How are you all doing? We’re going on Week 7 of social distancing and working from home. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting good at it. Some may argue, but I believe that I’m a natural introvert. I am perfectly capable of structuring my day, happy to be left to my own devices. Yet, I would struggle without my afternoon outing.
What is my preferred mode of transport? My feet, of course, powering me along dirt paths and paved neighborhoods. I head out with a goal, notice something surprising or beautiful. Nature rarely lets you down. Just today, for example, I gazed up in the hills and noticed an elk herd traveling across a rocky slope (barely visible in the Header image). They blended in with the rocks but there they were moving together like dancers.
Yesterday’s surprise was a large snapping turtle scampering across a golf course.
Most passers by turn or cover up, and for that I am thankful, but I miss saying hello. Yet, I find myself gazing at parents on bike rides with their children and feel happy that they are having time for this in the middle of what would otherwise be a workday. A group stopped me the other day while on a bike ride, which scared me at first until they pointed out a bald eagle perched in a tree just off the road (alas, no photo, but here’s one from our golf course in Pa.). You have to appreciate life’s little miracles.
Stories about how wildlife are taking advantage of the human disappearance from many places are circulating widely and I believe them. Two moose have taken over Main Street in an otherwise abandoned Old Town Park City.
I saw my first coyote up close last week, out looking for dinner. He saw me too but did not give me the time of day. His head was held high and his coat looked healthy. Was this for real? Yes, and it could be the new normal for a while.
Last week’s celebration of the 50th Earth Day gave me reason to revisit the work of one my heroes, Jane Goodall. Her new film, The Hope, is a must see for us all. Jane is rightly focusing her work on the youth of the world so they learn to identify problems and figure out solutions through her program, Roots and Shoots. At the same time, Jane is modeling how we, as Senior Rippers, can leave this world a better place. Let’s use this pause in our busy world to get on those running shoes, head outside, and be surprised about something that we can help preserve for future generations.
So great to read!!! Felt like I had a chance to be on that walk with you 🙂 Will definitely give “The Hope” a watch.
Stay safe and keep posting!
Great post Gail. Miss you guys, Stay safe.
So enjoyable!
Nice post! I do not think of you as an introvert!
I’m actually the rare person who is fond of coyotes. I’ve seen a lot of them in my day and as long as they’re not in packs they don’t concern me much. They tend to be curious but shy. We live close enough to the river valley that I can sometimes hear them crying and yipping in the night. It is the most primal sound I know!
That is my Gail! Love this post. Headed out for my afternoon walk. I wish you were here to inspire me in person.
Love the wildlife taking advantage of the lack of humans!
Great story. Sharing your very own Walk in the Woods. So many different animals. It feels we’re still part of Animal universe. Looking forward to your next tale, including the other tails.
Lovely post Gail. So grateful to be able to get outside (even though the weather here in the Berkshires hasn’t been all that cooperative).