Little did I know, as I typed those very words from my last post, predators, indeed were on the prowl. Bright and early that very next morning, "The Archer" burst through the doors excitedly. We were soon to discover that more than one predator had been here for a visit. Fresh Lion Tracks crossed the very walk I had made that night before. Not far from there, a bear had sauntered by as well. Still having a bear tag left to fill, my husband left with the Archer shortly thereafter. Much later I was to hear that they would track down their would be prey only to be outsmarted. A unique black, brown and cinnamon multicolored bear was seen briefly and later doubled back on their tracks. He is certainly a rare find among bears. On he roams now, unhindered for the time being.
Despite my impending Bible Study evening and work night, I made time to take the children outdoors to play. The fresh white snow covered the world as we knew it and the words "winter wonderland" rang true. I had just borrowed the camera for "a few minutes" from my hunter men, but like a fellow sibling, I gleefully marched along the property boundaries with the boys not wanting to turn back and return it. As the boys headed down the trail into the back woods, I went right along in awe and wonder myself. Super Catman lead the expedition, followed by Art Dog pulling Moonbeam in her little sled. She Amiably went along for the ride without protest. "Puma Kitty", Super Catman's faithful side kick ran along after them as well. I took up the rear snapping a ridiculous amount of photographs along the way. Every so often the boys would pause and shake trees to "make it snow" once again. It was like being in a glass bubble and I didn't have to grow up until I returned home to prepare for my adult responsibilities. Every time the boys shook the trees, it was like somebody shaking up my glass bubble. Little Moonbeam gave us her big toothy grin and the world was a much better place. This euphoric bliss lasted a good long time. As we walked each leg of our journey, the children were delighted to discover that some of the very steps they were taking traced the tracks of the cougar and the bear. They also found a resting spot of a raven. The children very much enjoy studying animal tracks and insisted I photograph each set. As our adventure hike came to a close, and we climbed the hill to the house above, I breathed one last sigh of freedom. This was just what I needed before working a 12MN to 12noon shift.
