Tags
Adventure, Animals, Bovine, Cows, Field, Florida, Florida Trail, Hiking, humor, Nature, Photography, Sunset, Trails
A copper sunset melted over bovine pastures
Yesterday we undertook a delightful jaunt into the dark mysteries of Central Florida, near Orlando on a splendid cool winter’s day. Part of the Florida Trail System (many trails set up by volunteers marking trees in the forest) loomed up in a Wetlands area. We could not resist, so we sauntered forth on our latest adventure.Odd, but the trail seemed to start by a gate. Cattle stood nearby. Where was the trail? We saw a sign saying “Take Care of Cattle.” Do we enter this field?
A knotted rope fastened the gate and I undid it, we shuffled though, and tied it shut behind us.
I suddenly realized we were right in the cattle field, and several huge bovines were ambling nearby. I spotted the sign for the Trail across part of this field past a number of cattle, so it meant you are to join them briefly in their pasture to get to the Trail! I have never been in a cow pasture before with the occupants prominently present!
Which one looks a little more nervous?
My daughter Babs sang out, “Sprint over to that cowie over there- she’s posing most swimmingly for a photo.” So I foolishly shimmered over toward the cow. It was almost taller than me and outweighed me by many times, at least. It looked formidable. My progress was so slow my daughter admonished me to walk faster right up to the cow. I quaked a bit-I saw the whites of her eyes rolling (which Babs blithely explained away, “Oh she’s just trying to figure out what on earth this double-camera-ed creature is, as well as keep an eye on you, in that peculiar outfit with those lemon-trim shades, at the same time, Sir, don’t worry about it!”). Nonetheless, great images of bullfights with matadors being charged danced in my head. I tightened up my courage and again started to the cow while daughter got pictures. I got close, but the cow wriggled and then backed up away. I kinda hoofed it out of that spot myself!
We strolled past several other fine bovine specimens and into the Trailhead. Some munched grass, another munched part of a palm tree torn down; they just were rooted in place and we floated by without a sound or movement.
These cows became a little fiesty, vying for a…palm leaf frond! I had no idea cows munched on palm trees…
On our way back we entered their world at late dusk. Two large hulks were nearby. Babs deadpanned “They’re Bulls”, and indeed they were-fine young creatures barely out of calfhood. I sped by to the gate, untied it and quickly tied it back up. Babs slowly sauntered without a care behind me. Years later, she arrived. Safe at last, but really, none were aggressive to us.
Babs chimed out we will be going back there for more photo ops, so more adventures await.
Well , at least , you had an adventurous experience. And not a misadventures time , and got to write about it , Steve ,
Thanks. It was an adventure indeed. Recharges the spirit to take on another week in the work world. No misadventures.
Very wise to not be wearing red…
: )
Thanks for the comment. Indeed! I was thinking of bullfights at that moment, but I would never harm any cow or bull, in or out of a ring. I am not a fan of beef either.
Well as long THEY KNOW that you were harmless , and fully paid up veggy! .
Reblogged this on A Day in the Brine and commented:
A bovine-involved adventure with Sir
Thanks, Babs for the repost, and for the fine photo of the adventure.
So funny, us all doing the same thing at the same time. I don’t see you lying down, though. I swear the neighbor thought I was nuts!
I recon Sir was doing his nut when he spotted the bulls
Shhh!! Don’t give Babs ideas for next time!
PS: Babs is always sprawling on the ground and is frequently asked if needing assistance, especially when lying in the street!
What cool pics. Love this. I don’t know if I’d have been brave enough to walk through unaccompanied. I mean, I know there cows, right? But, somehow anything not leashed or led is scary to me. Thanks for braving the cow pasture to provide me with a cool story and some neat pics!
My daughter Babs (Smilingtoad) did the pix. It was scary somewhat, I was surprised this was allowed. Up North in northern IL, the cops would be all over you if you jumped a farm fence. We will be going back, logged where this place was. Part of Orlando wetlands.
nice color and rays in the first picture
Thanks for stopping by and admiring the photos. My daughter Babs did them.
Photo ops with bulls in Florida- enchantingly unusual
Like your stories and pictures! Keep going…
Thanks for your comment and support. See my next post on the kitten shown atop my blog!
So cool, thanks for your comment. http://www.segmation.wordpress.com