Oh, Deer...

Three to four times per week I walk my dog Chance around the lake near our house. It's a small lake draped with old growth trees and a beautiful, rugged stream that enters the lake quietly at the north end and roars towards the Columbia at the southern end, driving hard through a shallow canyon and passing numerous falls along the way. The trail along the lake eventually finds itself following the creek, then circles back towards the lake in a wide, 3 mile sweeping bow. The setting for the trails is magnificent. An absolute gem nestled just outside of reach of our small mill town. Lilies are currently blooming a bright blue along the sun soaked slopes, fighting for position against the grasses and the menacing hue of a burgeoning army of poison oak. High above the creek and canyon the trail makes a left turn, avoiding the cascading waterfall and beginning its sweep back toward a service road. The whole loop is probably 3 miles or so, not that long but just enough to entice a lung-busting trail run at sunrise.

I've fished the creek in summer with some success. The browns, bows, and bass all have presence and all make for tricky fishing. The lake offers good fishing and great bank access for families and kids. Lots of fun when I'm not running at pace or throwing a stick for Chance.

Tonight I walked the trail about mid-evening, just prior to dusk and after any threat of a crowd might have subsided, although I think the thunder took care of the faint of heart. After the initial swing around the southwest side of lake, I proceeded along the creek trail for about a half mile, making the previously mentioned left turn up the hill for a rendezvous with a usually vacant service road. As we crested the road, I spied a figure I hadn't seen for some time in the last few months. Positioned about 400 yards ahead, quartering towards me, was a deer. At that distance I could not see it well until it turned and slowly meandered into the thick growth at our left. I crouched and watched the deer, instantly getting my hunter sense (what sense I have is a still in question) activated and my voice lowered to reign in the dog. Holding Chance I just watched for a few minutes as the majestic animal stood unfazed by our presence.

This type of event reminded me of the season ahead. The trail runs need to increase in frequency, as well as the climbs and definitely the stamina. Gotta get my ass in shape if I am to experience any of this when it really counts...