Walking on the dewy grass, the warm sun on our backs, we are looking for a spot to build a shelter. A flat grassy area looks promising. While discussing strategies, Rosy Boa wanders...and spots a track. Small pads with claws, and the outlines of hairs are imprinted in the mud. The small mammal has wandered down a path towards the creek. We follow it, spotting a tree that will make a sturdy shelter.
After the shelter is finished with knots tied securely, Alligator Lizard wanders. He shouts in excitement when he discovers a beautiful find. We rush to his side and gasp in awe at the size of the large track. Mammal, feline....We can see where the 4 toes are, pointed on the tips. However there are no claw marks.
"What has large pads on its feet, and no claws? Or perhaps they are retractable?" Bursting with glee, we explore and find 5, 10, 15 or more tracks intermingled with deer, cow and skunk. Perhaps one of these fell prey to the glorious animal we were tracking. We are grateful to the rain for creating a malleable template in the mud. A treasure trove of tracks imprinted deep into the soil. Their story leaves us inspired and filled with a curiosity to visit this spot again.
