I'm Going for a Walk

Deer flies be damned!

Can you miss a Pond? Yes, you can! I got used to seeing Gone-Away during the winter and then in early spring—dipping my toes in her, watching for Black Snake and Turtle, and drinking in the sounds and sights of her.

But those expletive-deleted deer flies are so bad that they swarm me even if I try to walk to the barn. Their bites are wicked and lasting, so I’ve been staying pretty close to home, hanging out mostly on my little patio. There seems to be a force field around it, and they (mostly) leave me alone out there.

Yesterday, I decided to throw caution to the wind and go for a walk to see the Pond. But I’m not bold enough to go unprotected. Don’t forget there are also ticks, mosquitos, and noseeums. The black fly season has ended, praise be.

I had on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt tucked into my pants, white socks over my pants (this helps to see the ticks), and boots. A bandana to protect my neck, just in case. Over this went mesh bug netting - pants and top which covers everything - including my head. But, I was told my first summer here to always wear a hat underneath the netting, or some of the bugs can bite through it.

Because some of you think this is humorous (you know who you are) and have asked for a selfie, here you go. Whatever vanity I had is gone.

Mind you, this can only be done when it’s cool enough because it can feel like a sauna if it’s hot. I didn’t make it home yesterday before overheating, but a cool shower revived me.

Dozens of deer flies followed me through the woods, down the path to the Pond. Guess what? They love movement, and they love ponds.

I started to sing a made-up deer fly song. I decided to relinquish any anger or frustration at having to go to such lengths to take a walk.

I am in awe of the New Hampshire natives who work outside all summer in shorts and a tee shirt or go hiking without taking ridiculous precautions, as I have.

I don’t care. I was able to visit the Pond and not one deer fly got me. Oh! Did I mention that I had gloves on? They seem to love the tops of my hands.

On the way down the path to the Pond, look what I discovered!

Elder bushes! They are such a beautiful, magical healing plant. I made a mental note to come back and forage just a few of the flowers. And maybe, just maybe, the birds and bears will leave a few berries for me to make syrup this fall.

Next to the Elder were huge Milkweed plants, with their intoxicating scent. I wish you could smell them. The food of the Monarch Butterfly.

On my way back, I imagined I was on the prairie…

This morning, I was up before the sun and it was so cool outside it felt like fall. I had a plan. It would be another “I’m going for a walk - deer flies be damned” day.

I ate a little snack, put on my paraphernalia, grabbed my sweet little Willow basket, and headed back to Gone Away.

I thought that maybe it was too cool or too early for deer flies, but nope. They found me when I got to the barn.

This time, singing my please-go-away-deer-fly-song, I noticed that I’d let go of another layer of frustration. As I walked through the woods, I reflected on what a great lesson this was for me.

This is not my planet. It’s not our planet. We have to share it with all kinds of people and animals, biting and stinging bugs and plants that can poison us if we’re not careful. We all have different likes and dislikes and that’s just the way it is.

And we do have helpers along the way. Dragonflies eat deer flies and Dragonflies love the Pond as much as I do.

Has anyone ever seen a Dragonfly like this?

I know that Bug Season only lasts about four months out of the year. After that, this place is Nature Heaven. I can do this.

When I got to Gone-Away, I threw caution to the wind, took off my socks and boots, and dipped my feet into her water.

The fairies were there!

It was so incredibly peaceful that I forgot about the pesky flies and just sat there, watching the rising sun and the trees' reflections on the water. I’m pretty sure I heard a Moose.

On my way back, guess who I saw? Yep. My friend, the Quaking Poplar.

Sometimes, just a shift in our perspective and a little effort changes everything. Nature is always worth it, in my humble opinion.

I hope that Nature walks are a part of your life, wherever you are in this big beautiful world.

Much Love,
Barbara

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