The Snowy Owl

Some of you have already heard my Snowy Owl story.  However, in the 6 months since it happened, I have continued to gain new insights into the experience. So I am telling it again including the new thoughts

It started when I  had read in the local paper about a snowy owl that had been sighted at Merril Creek reservoir.  That is an unusual occurrance, since it's home is usually in the Arctic.  I had recently become interested in birdwatching, and wished I could see it.  I had always liked to hike at Merrill Creek, but am unable to now because of my feet.  I still go there, though, to sit at the lookout where I can see eagles and other birds.

On this particular day last December,  there were other birders there with their scopes.  One of them asked me if I had seen the owl.  Since I hadn't, he showed me on his camera the closeup photo he had just taken of it in a different area of the reservoir. I was so grateful and happy to have an almost first hand view. I considered it a gift from God. Right there was a moment worth mentioning.  It felt so good to choose to be thankful.  My "go to" reaction had previously been to feel anger and frustration about being unable to do something that I desired to do.  How freeing it was to not have those emotions. To linger in bitterness is a horrible palce to be. It certainly was not healthy physically or  emotionally or spiritually.  It was a conscious choice to begin approaching my condition with an attitude of thankfulness.  I had learned that although I did not choose to be sick, I can choose the way in which I handle it.  I can view it as the end of my hopes and dreams, or I can consider my situation a path to new and better things.
Tim knew how much I wanted to see the owl, so a few days later he and I drove to the spot where we had heard the owl was.  As soon as we got out of the car we could see that the trail would be too difficult for me. Also, according to other hikers, it was a long way.   It was then that a crazy idea started hatching in my head.

I have an electric cart to use if I need to go somewhere where walking is necessary.  What would happen if I tried taking it on the trail?  I wanted to find out, despite the fact that the cart is designed to be used on a smooth, flat surface.  The next day I charged up my battery and drove to Merrill Creek. I took the cart out (it comes apart) and went merrily on my way.  I had some fears, though.  I had hiked by myself many times before, but now in my weakened body I felt vulnerable.  What would happen if I came across a serial killer or a bear?  i couldn't run and the cart doesn't go fast enough.  I prayed for protection and continued.  I can only imagine how crazy I looked bumping up and down on  the  rocky trail on a cart that was meant for the handicapped.  But I was having such a good time!  The fact that I was smiling probably added to my deranged look.

I should mention, though, that I had no idea where this owl was.  I just knew people had come from this direction the day before.  After a mile or  maybe two, I came to the end of the trail.  Ahead of me was the huge dam that you could walk on provided you could get throught the gate first.  Probably to deter cyclists from riding on the dam, the gate had a tiny opening just meant for walkers.  This opening was shaped sort of like an S, or a small very narrow maze, obviously so bikes couldn't get in.  But they didn't say anything about carts!

However, there was anotherr obstacle.  I first would have to go down a short, steep hill.  That wouldn't be a problem, but I didn't think the motor on the cart could handle going back up on the return trip.  That's when an interesting thing happened.  But I will need to keep you in suspense for a few days since I will be away and not have access to my computer for a few days.