In between the wild pigs and the owl, things stayed interesting. I completely surprised a raccoon who was gorging on holly berries just two steps from the trail. Poor thing had to splash away when I walked by, there was so much water everywhere. I didn't have a chance to snap a photo, but I do have evidence of his meal!
Then I strolled a little further until I encountered two squirrels crazily chasing each other along the boardwalk. They were running at top speed toward me, completely oblivious until the first one came within about three feet of me and froze. Then the other one froze. Where to go? Into the water? Past me? Back the other way? The three of us stared at each other with quiet curiosity, the squirrels still breathing heavily from all their running. I slowly reached down for my camera and broke the spell. They spun around and dashed back down the boardwalk like lightning. I laughed out loud. It was like watching Chip and Dale. Seemed like we'd all shared the joke without talking. How many other ways would the universe surprise me?
Well, with bunnies. Adorable bunnies who were rather damp as they had probably been swimming or at least wading. One watched me calmly as it munched on poison ivy. I guess bunnies can eat it without harm.
And then there were the sunbathing squirrels. I mean, wouldn't you lay out on the boardwalk if your fur was wet from swimming? I so hated to disturb them (I saw two!) so I walked very slowly to give them time to find a tree to hop to and skip leaping back into the water.
I breathed deeply and smiled. And then I drove home with gratitude in my heart, looking forward to returning the very next day for more wild, precious, utterly free gifts.