Day 38 - I think I killed a chipmunk! 😳

It was a few hours into my day. I was enjoying a shade covered, straight shot bike path with greenery surrounding it. There were plenty of things to look at, that's why I didn't notice it at first.

What you are about to read took place in less than 10 seconds, but to me, it happened in slow motion!

Off to my right, I saw a little fuzzy ball, too big to be a wind-blown leaf, coming my way. I knew whatever it was would not make it through the opening between my tires, so I braced for impact. I didn't expect much, just a bump & I'd be on my way. Well, I was wrong.

The little fuzzy ball did, in fact, miss the opening and hit my back tire. Somehow it got flipped into the air in front of my right leg.

Picture this: do you remember the cartoons, when the animal of choice hits something hard and then bounces up into the air with all 4 legs extended and the appropriate image of fear on its face, facing the camera?

Well, that's what I saw as this little chipmunk came flying towards me, with a look on its face as if to say, "What did you do that for?!" He flew as high as my knee and bounced off my shin before landing on the path. I had already let out the obligatory scream and lifted my feet off the pedals (to give him more room to land, I suppose). The moment he landed, my back wheel ran over something. I was convinced it was his head, but it could have been a paw or his tail. Then again, it could have been a stick or a rock.

I didn't turn around to assess the damage that was done. I just mulled over the possibilities for the next mile or so. As my friend suggested, maybe it was just stunned...or, maybe not! 😕

Even though that makes for an entertaining lead in story, that's not the only thing that happened today. It was a comfortable evening last night and I slept well. Therefore, I was relatively awake already when the alarm went off. Awake enough to recognize the sound of raindrops on my tent about 10 minutes later. I wondered what that would mean for the rest of the day. But, I didn't have to worry about it. That was the only rain I saw all day.

The route was a straight shot so I just booked it. Took care of the 42 miles in 5 1/2 hours. The last 1/2 mile included a stretch of me walking my bike up a hill that I just didn't want to bother with after a 40 mile day. Thanks to some conversation with the guy who was walking in front of me, it was less cumbersome and frustrating than it otherwise could have been. Thanks! I was at my nephew's house in less than 5 minutes from that point. It's been pretty chill as I have enjoyed their hospitality of time, space, food and conversation. 😊

Now it's bedtime. But before I fall asleep, I'm going to take advantage of the laptop in the house to try to update a few things on the website. So, if you haven't done so yet, check out the new pictures, see my updated mileage, follow the map, and (if I can figure it out) I've added some tags to the different blog entries. I believe you can find those lists if you scroll to the bottom of the blog page.

So, goodnight for now. Talk to you again later!

#wildlifenature #PeopleVisited