Trust what ? your soul knows, trust your gut !
Every Morning, when my eyes open, it is usually from the fact that my dog has been at my bed side, whimpering, staring me in the eyes, wanting me to go for a walk. Off we go, we are hitting the trail, normally she is all, "explore". She does her running ahead of me, and eventually running back to me, to make sure I am okay.
Sometimes we get to the trail head, and when she was all excited to go. Boom she sits down on the ground, and even when I tug on her leash to encourage her on, Snickers won't budge. Something has changed her mind she must sense or smell danger, she is not going ! I will double check by pulling on her leash a little and she has somehow learned to hold her neck at the perfect angle that the leash slips off her neck and her head pops free. She sits still in place, showing she is not being disobedient, but that we should not go any further ! I have seen this enough times going into the forest from her, that I trust her instinct and we back track to, Camp.
I know for sure that a dog has an incredible sense of smell, that may even lead to other senses that we as humans do not use. My dog Snickers seems to "Trust Her Gut" !
I like to take my time when exploring in the bush, so often I leave my dog back at camp. Usually this is when I want to go a long distance by myself or with one person on the four wheeler, and then start exploring, leaving the bike parked. I leave the dog behind, because if I am trying to look at foilage and plants, she wants all the attention, and usually is right in my face.
I accomplish nothing this way, with the dog
I hear noises all the time when in the bush, and I pay attention to each one. while walking I am always scanning with my eyes. Down to the ground to plan my next steps, because on a forest floor, every step is going to be different. Eyes up and around to scan for animals and branches, I will have to navigate, and back to the ground repeatedly. I am normally relaxed calm and focused while doing this. Almost like a medicine for me, the forest feels like my home.
Having said this, I have to tell you "SOMETHING" !
Sometimes when I am just getting in, or have been in the bush, and everything is going well suddenly that "CHANGES" !
I have come across bears, and different wild canine species that I still am not sure if they were coyotes, wolves or really big dirty diseased fox, large moose and deer as well. I have seen things run across the trail in front of me so fast I could not make them out. Other times I have had these animals actually pause, and watch me, being surprised that I was there.
MOST IMPORTANTLY
I always thank God for letting me see wildlife, it makes me feel rewarded and thankful for the share.
"BUT"
I can be in the bush, and I can Suddenly get a feeling that something is not right. A pleasant time in the bush changes, and I feel something which I cannot see, not wanting me to be there anymore. This is a feeling that you only know, when it actually happens to you.
Animals hide well in the forest and might only be a few yards away. I have gotten a feeling of dread in my head, saying to myself, "I shoud not be here anymore". Immediately without hesitation, even with the dog wondering why I am leaving, or if the famiy is with me, I announce "That's all for Today", and we start heading out.
I trust my gut and I leave !
Sometimes you just need to totally get out of the bush. Other times you just need to get out of a particular area, and your sense of safety will return.
Go back to your camp, and if the feeling remains, leave there too. Better to be safe if uncertain.
I started this post with the Question
Trust What ?
The answer !
"Your Soul Knows, Trust your Gut" !
Recent Comments
8
Yes we should not ignore our inner warnings. Thanks for the nice comment. Be prepared before going into nature. All the best.
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Mike
I admire your gut then for you keep going and still doing it over and over, exploting bush!
YOU are brave, I used to walk, climb the SFU mountain in 45 mins to go up and 45 minutes to get down, with my best friend,
I'm doing it with her until one day we encounter bear with baby and lucky someone report already before. Thus save by Rangers but still scared the H....L out of me!
After the incident, Ranger are all over the place, putting a sign that wild bear is out and do it on your own risk!
That's it for me! never walk a trail again that was 2018 till this day and just went yoga instead!
In my case my guts say no more,LOL and shut down totally!
joce
Get back out there, just be prepared. I understand though a bad experience can turn you 180 for a long time. Most animals want to avoid us. We need to trust our gut though. Have bear spray.
Thanks for the comment. I know bears are Scary, I do not like seeing them. Thanks Joce, be Safe
Mike
LOL, only if you are there maybe i will get back there for you got so many trick on your sleeves ha ha ha!
Same to you Mike with your family be safe
joce