The View From Here – I Just Had The Scare Of My Life
I might be wearing a “Fierce. Focused. Fearless” workout top – but I sure didn’t feel any of those things this weekend.
I had the scare of my life on Sunday afternoon. I’m not even being dramatic.
Walking the trails in Canatara Park. Feeling like I was on an incredible soul-searching adventure, just like Reese Witherspoon in “Wild”.
Without the backpack and extreme measures. (smile)
I was out of the house. I was taking time for ME, just like we’re told to do. The weather was perfect. The trails are never disappointing.
This time? I ran away, shaking, and afraid for my life. (This might be a slight exaggeration for dramatic effect).
A beautiful day for a walk on the trails. Getting my Fitbit steps in so I can at least look like I TRIED in the latest challenge I was invited to.
It started out really nice. Lots of others out as well. A few smiles, waves and hellos between strangers. 
I saw a crane. Or maybe it was a heron. I’m not that good with birds. It was beautiful and majestic, standing at the edge of the water. Lots of dragonflies. A chipmunk, and so many butterflies.
I made my way through the park and then decided I was still feeling good and wanted to keep going. So I ventured out through the grassy area trails, in behind the bike ramps. I didn’t even have my phone out for pictures. I was just soaking it all in, enjoying the day.
Then IT happened.
Something I have NEVER EVER EVER experienced before in my life and something I hope I never have to experience again.
I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. I had just climbed one of the hills. Feeling so accomplished. Usually I’m with my 17-year-old and she’s encouraging me and offering help if her “old mother” needs it. (smile).
I turned, looking for someone else walking or biking. Nope.
It wasn’t a person. It happened so fast – but what I’m pretty sure was a COYOTOE – running through the grass to my left.
And it sure wasn’t like any cute cartoon Coyote we might have grown up watching. I was FROZEN in fear. I had never ever encountered anything like that in all the times I’d walked the trails. Maybe it’s because I was alone? And it was quiet?
I tried to think “What do I do?” I looked around for a place to run to. I couldn’t SEE anything. That was the problem. I saw the direction the coyote ran in, but it disappeared in the tall grass. If I kept walking, would he come in that direction? I sure didn’t want to walk towards him. I thought about calling my husband then, but was afraid of making noise.
It’s one of those m
oments in time you just never forget. My heart was racing.
What does one do when they encounter a coyote?
I saw a clear path and ran to it. Then stopped – thinking, probably not smart to run – even though I wanted to get the heck out of there as fast as I could.
I called my husband as soon as I got out of the trails.
I couldn’t stop shaking for the longest time as I fought my way back to where I had parked my car.
So I guess my days of “being one with nature” are behind me – at least for a while.
