Free Hiking and a Chat With a Bull

It has been a few days, busy days here on the Canadian prairies. Today was just about as busy as all the other days, but I somehow managed to organise my time to fit in another free hike. I left home just before noon and parked at my usual spot where I then began my hike. I was able to walk the first half kilometre without shorts before putting them back on as I neared the busy grid road that I needed to cross. With enough distance passed I was able to walk free again. At the four kilometre mark, I came across a small herd of cattle with one good-sized bull in attendance.

I was wary of the closeness of the bull with no fence between him and me. However, I soon deduced that he was simply curious. He soon lost interest as he decided to munch. As he approached a large round bale, he began to paw the ground, throwing up dirt. I had visions of him getting ready to charge. The dirt went flying onto his sides and back. Ah! He was taking care of business with the annoying insects. Then he began to rub against the bale. His size and power were enough to make the bale quiver.

With a photo taken, I decided to walk on towards the shallow lake in the distance. I turned back every once in a while to see if the cattle and the bull was following. It never pays to assume anything. It is vital for one to be fully aware and present. A few more kilometres and I decided it was time for a rest stop for something to drink and to eat my apple. The stop gave me an opportunity to get a photo with the lake in the background. It was time to head back with a detour to walk up and down the hills that lined the pasture I had been walking through since I left the trail which ended when I met the bull.

The walk back went quickly and without incident. I got home and set about taking care of hedge-trimming and other chores. The weather became cooler and the sun decided to stay away making the chores easier to take care of. I was lucky to get sunshine for my walk.

What are your free-hiking experiences?