I trudged up the incline flanked on the left by old growth forest and on the right by a field of long grasses. At the top of the hill she waited to greet me. A large doe stood like a statue utilizing her first defense against the intruder crossing into her territory at Green Lakes State Park. I took advantage of the encounter with nature to stop and observe, feeling the brilliant sunshine on my face. As my proximity to the deer narrowed to no more than 40 feet she activated her second defense. She gracefully bounded off through the brush.
Anyone who has spent time exploring the 2100 acres at the property knows the potential for surprise that waits around each bend in the trail. The park features two unique lakes formed by water rushing off glaciers centuries ago. Those lakes are now the focal point of a rambling stretch of many miles of paths.
Each run through the park is likely to bring a memorable moment. Over the last week two come to mind in addition to the encounter with the large doe. On one instance I had successfully climbed one of the park's many hills. Now it was time to bound down on a wooded path, skipping over tree roots and finding safe footing. It's one of the occurrences in adult life where youthful exuberance returns reminding me of the days exploring the wooded areas of our neighborhood growing up.
Then yesterday I had put in a couple of miles in the property above the lakes. I decided to head down hill to enjoy the soft smooth trails lakeside. I reached the bottom of the trail that descends from the campground. I turned right and had to stop short. A temporary fence was posted with a sign saying "construction" trail upgrades. I turned to take the other route around the lake. It was shut down too. More trail improvements. My only choice. Back up the hill. Ugh.
That deer in the woods wouldn't have thought twice about going back up the hill.
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