Saturday Stories. #28

Please note: This story happened a number of years ago. You can read part 2 HERE.

Well, Krissy and I had arrived at the small lake we were heading to on our night hike. It truly was beautiful there, sitting beside that small beach with the moon shining brightly in the calm water. Of course, I did keep listening carefully, just in case those wolves decided to come here too. I was really hoping they wouldn’t however. We then heard some noise in the water close by. It didn’t take long though, and we saw the animal that was making the noise.

It was a beaver, feasting on a snack of fresh leaves. He seemed to be really enjoying himself. It was 2:30am and time for us to leave this wonderful spot and head back to the car. Krissy was enjoying it so much that she didn’t want to leave just yet. So, we stayed a while longer, watching our little beaver friend as he continued his feast. An hour later we started our hike back to the car and we were just getting close to the stream when I thought I saw some movement.

Moon surrounded by clouds.

We stopped walking. “What’s the matter?” asked Krissy. “Look, right over there,” I pointed. It was a Black Bear enjoying a drink from the stream. It was in the shadows so it was hard to see. Then it moved out more in the open, being about 40 feet away from us. That was too close. Fortunately, because there was no breeze of any kind that night, our scent didn’t travel in his direction. He did stand on his hind legs once and sniffed the air.

I was hoping he picked up a different scent. Back on all fours, he decided to leave and go up the hill away from us. That was certainly nice. “Are you breathing yet?” I asked Krissy. “Yes, finally,” she said, “these night hikes are sure exciting.” Somehow I don’t think she really meant that. “Hmm, the stream seems to be wider at this spot,” I said. “It’s not deep,” she said, “we can just walk across.” “And get wet feet,” I said, “and sometimes these little streams have deep spots.”

Some small light clouds passing over the lower part of the moon.

“Chicken,” she said and off she went across the stream. At least, that was her intention. She made it about half way and slipped and ended up sitting in the wet mud at the bottom of the stream. “You’re wet,” I said, trying hard not to laugh. “If you laugh, I will throw you into this stream!” she said. I walked over and helped her.

The water was only about a foot (30cm) deep at that spot but the mud at the bottom was quite soft. She had extra clothes with her so she was soon dry again. We always carried extra clothes with us, just in case we get wet, which did happen a few times. The sun was shining by the time we got back to the car at around 5am.

Not quite a full moon.

Strangely enough, Krissy wanted to try another night hike. I thought the wolves and bear would have changed her mind about any more night hikes. We did go on another one, but it wasn’t that summer. Well, I hope you enjoyed coming along with us for this hike. Have a great weekend everyone and God bless!

Steve and Muffin.

©2024 Steve McLeod.