Hilary Sheppard - Wilderness Observation 2

After the class separated on the trail, I wasn't exactly sure what to look for. I found myself staring intently at fern-line plants hoping to create some connection or experience, and after a while I began giving up hope that I would come across something astounding enough to write about. As I rounded a corner and came face to face with a squirrel I realized I had found what I was searching for. The squirrel must have heard me coming because he was already standing on his hind legs, glaring directly at me. In his little padded fingers he held an acorn, which as surely his most precious possession at the moment. I have always had an odd obsessive love for squirrels, chipmunks, chinchillas, and basically any other cute little rodent and every time I come across one it reminds me of how amazing the gift of life truly is. There before me was a furry little squirrel with its wide beady eyes and tiny claws and I could see his body move as he breathed in and out. Time seemed to slow as we both stood extremely still and watched each other. I expected him to grab the acorn in his mouth and bound off into the forrest, but instead he stayed and after a short while began munching away on his acorn. We had established a sense of trust and understanding, and with that he was able to take his eyes of me and relinquish any fear he had to continue his meal.