Well, I didn’t exactly get lost; I knew more or less where I was… I had a really lousy morning, and on my husband’s advice, took our German Shepherd out for a walk. There are some power lines next to our house that take you to the next street back if you follow them. About half-way along the path, we discovered the trail of a red fox. I backtracked the animal out of curiosity to see if I could figure out where it had come from.
Sometimes I’m temped to say that I don’t believe in accidents, and that everything happens for a reason – like my following this fox’s trail. But then again, maybe it’s more what you make of the accidental encounters you have, and stay aware of opportunities that result from them.
The trail we followed became more and more difficult to discern as the fox moved from the open shrub of the power lines into the cover of the mixed pine forest on the border. I eventually lost the trail (and upon asking our dog if she could find it, received a stick in return), but found myself on a walking path that led through the woods. Four years in this house, and I had no idea there was a trail I could follow in the woods behind us. They’re privately owned, of course (which is why I haven’t really explored them earlier, I suppose), so if I encounter the owner will need to be sure to ask for permission.
We walked for over 45 minutes; the trail eventually led down to a low-lying wetland before ending at one of the major roads near our property, but it was a nice walk all the same. I have missed the woods at Flat Rock – our former residence – and while it’s not Flat Rock, it’s a place to get out to when you need a walk in the woods. Which, in my opinion, everyone needs now and again (and some of us more than others).
