March 18, 2009

"Date With a Deer"

Okay, okay you animal lovers, don't get the wrong idea.  I only SAW a deer today, I didn't shoot the cute thing, so no steaks roasting on my balcony....I don't think that would make a good impression on my new neighbor, the elderly Frau Steurli anyway!  After a long day at the computer, I needed a hike in the woods, and I had seen a "Wald" or forested area near my house on a Google maps earlier in the day.  I changed clothes quickly after returning to my flat by bus and headed out into the evening air.  In 10 minutes or less I found my way to the forest and learned it was called Könizbergwald, a nice little 100 acre wood complete with campfire areas, gravel jogging/walking trails, and even some wildlife!

After walking a few loops to stretch the legs, I found my way to the edge of a thicket and a wooded pine area, sat up on a big stump, and waited for something to walk by.  A deer, a fox, anything but a skunk!  I don't even know if they have those here yet, I think they may all live over in France.  Just before the evening skies gave way to dark I saw her.  A doe, a deer, right here in the center of Bern, Switzerland.  Very cool.  She saw me too, but couldn't figure out what I was doing on this stump.  She slipped into the thicket, but then reappeared again along the edge and cautiously made her way a little closer to me, eventually crossing a small trail and wandering into the pines.  She heard a noise in the distance that spooked her and I saw her run off into the darkening forest.  I managed to get a couple pictures, but they were pretty dark. 

What a cool moment to escape the noise of the city all around me and encounter some wildlife that few ever see.  Back at the office the next day I told a good story of course, of how I wrestled with her, but she bit me, and I had the marks on my hands and arms to prove it.  I eventually confessed that it was in fact just the blackberry vines that had tripped me up and made me fall during a jaunt through a thicket earlier.  Battle scars...we all need a few, right?  The guys at the office could hardly believe I saw a deer in the city like that.

After my date with the deer, I returned to my flat by dark and had a REAL date with my real DEAR.  She was waiting for me on Skype, no doubt worried about my walk in the little Swiss Forest, so I was quick to reassure her that I was just fine and share the tale of the trail.  She and the kids watched on webcam while I made a big dinner salad for us to enjoy together in virtual fashion along with a glass of wine and a grilled swiss cheese sandwich.  Simple, tasty, and a great way to stay connected back home--a virtual date with my wife, the only difference was that she was having coffee and breakfast! :)