I’ve begun to bike along our road, which extends roughly 3.2 miles from one end to the other. In the middle, the road is bisected by Bacon School Road, but I never venture on it. It’s merely the escape route for those of us who live on the river.
And living on the river means that we see gentle wildlife from time to time.
For instance, a couple days ago I was biking on my merry way past the undeveloped stretch between the house of the man who owns the local ACE Hardware and his neighbor, a residential type, when I saw three raccoons on the side of the road. They were busy eating leaves of some sort and didn’t really notice as I pedaled by. I just caught a glimpse of them too, since I was intent on missing various potholes.
Yet, on my return past the same bit of road, I recognized the raccoons and they — seemingly recognizing me — crouched in the grass, the better to camouflage themselves. But I was no enemy. I also saw a young deer that leapt across the road, possibly searching for shelter or food or Mama. I had no intention to pursue, even if the deer didn’t know it. Instead, I made sure my feet were secure on my bicycle pedals, just in case these critters attacked me.
It’s always wonderment on the road. There are geese and herons and ducks that stop and rest; there is the occasional fox and the less occasional deer. Which is why I was thrilled to see one on my morning ride.
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