Squirrels, Deer, and Flashers

My favorite place of all time to run is in a state park near my home.  It has running trails, canoes, horse trails, campgrounds, and a natural spring for swimming. This particular park holds a very special place in my heart.  My husband and I had our second date at this park, our first kiss, and it's also where he proposed:

The saplings were not there the first time we stopped under this tree, however, I've taken at least one picture of it every year. 








This morning I really wanted to run the trails.  It had been so incredibly hot on my street runs.  The trails I knew would be cooler.  


My husband has pretty bad shin splints so he hasn't run with me very often.  Therefore, I suggested he come with me, bring a chair and a book and if he got hot he could get in the spring.


We arrived at the park at 7 a.m.  The gate was open but no one was at the guard station, so we got in for free.

There were a few cars in the parking lot, two runners either warming up or cooling down and squirrels.  Lots and lots of squirrels scurrying about.  No exaggeration, there must have been a hundred.   I warm up and start my run and every few minutes run into spider webs.  Ewww.  I'm watching the ground to keep from tripping and I see lots of little footprints. Several miles later I see the owner of the footprints:

See in the center of the picture.  It's a doe.  I wish I had a real camera with me instead of my phone.  I stopped and looked at her, she at me.  I took a picture.  She didn't move.  I took another. She still didn't move.  We stared for a few seconds then I said good-bye.

A mile or so later I see three more.  I tried to crop this one as far as I could but you can barely see them.  There are actually three young does.  I snap a picture and they just stand there.  Not afraid of people these deer.  Usually I see turkey, but not today.




























Several miles later, after I pass my "special tree" I see the two men from the parking lot.  The are each facing away from the trail.  As I approach I put my head down, shade my eyes and say "I'm not looking!"   as they stand there and continue to pee while I pass by.  Gross.  No picture! : ) 


Finally on the home stretch a passel of high school runners pass me as they start their run.  I was very glad I had started so early.  


Ah, another run, another story, another amazing Gift from God.  What a glorious day!  


"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118: 24




Oh, and just for fun, Oliver: