Alligators, snakes and other random reptilian forms of life, in my biased opinion, are nature's way of saying, "Excuse me, but I think you had better keep the hell out of the area.Thank you."But this warning is far more reserved and shocking than the furry creatures that I am so accustomed to encountering. Reptiles skulk, almost voyeuristically, in silence only to spring up on you as soon as the blissful dreamland of running fully envelopes all senses. This bliss takes you to a cloud, or a rainforest, sans snakes, or a beach or anywhere you aren't. The happy dreamland is then snatched away with the flick of a spikey tail or slithering body, sending the terror and endorphins to heed nature's warning. And all within inches of your shoes.
The thing about furry creatures is that you can see them. They aren't sticks that wiggle under toe. You can spot a moose in the road from half-a-mile away, and I appreciate that. The space allows a person the time to assess the sex, size and temperament of the road block. Seldom will you see a moose that curls up behind a tree only to jump out and shout "boo!" but it does happen. I've seen it. A moose will charge. But there is a certain amount of runner/moose respect involved in the charge. Both runner and moose acknowledge the breech of personal space and try to avoid conflict at any cost. Then there are the moose just looking for a little attention.
On one morning run, while giggling over sushi with Ben Harper in the restaurant of my mind, I had a strange sensation. Earthquake. No? The gravel road jiggled slightly. A helicopter? Not likely. It was only after I turned around that I noticed I had a companion on my run. No, not a companion. More like a competitor. A large sow galloped ten feet behind me. Whether the moose was just looking to dish the latest hot forest gossip or just looking to pummel the hell out of something, I wasn't sure. All I knew was that I have never been more attracted to a stable pine before.
The sow cut a swath into the bog and began to rub up on a rickety tree, overburdened by old man's beard. As she got comfortable over in the bog, I gently released my strong hold on the tree and shimmied down the ten feet to the ground. I thanked the tree for a lovely time, but I really had to be getting home. Early morning meetings, no time for coffee. It got awkward. I think it knew I wouldn't be calling later.
The walk home was a bit jittery. I kept my eyes open for any more furry F-150's on stilts. I kept my ears primed for bear grunts. Alaskan bears aren't meant for hugging-- except for "Haines," but he's another story.
Nevertheless, I appreciate mammalian creatures for their honesty. They don't try to be a stick just waiting to get rolled over by a stroller, or try to disguise themselves within a swamp in an attempt to take one of my dogs last three remaining legs. I'd have to walk him around like a privileged poodle a 'la Rodeo Drive. Nope, give me a bear that you can smell for miles or a moose that peeks in to second story windows. I'd run with them any day. Well, maybe run away....
Moose from fumingkate.wordpress.com
Alligator is from www.clevelandseniors.com/ forever/funpics6.htm
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