Moments ~ A Red Fox At Jackson Lake

 

Photo: Ray Hennessy

Have you ever been somewhere in nature where it is absolutely quiet? Where trees are not rustling, birds are not twittering, and there are no insects buzzing around.

When I lived in Wyoming, I drove out to Jackson Lake early one very cold winter morning.  

The day was gorgeous, there was snow on the rugged mountains across the lake, the road was free of snow and ice and my borrowed car hummed on and behaved itself well.

I drove to the gate of Yellowstone National Park, which was closed for the winter. 

I parked, got out of the car and walked down a slope toward the lake. I stood there for a while and listened to the silence. 

It was so quiet, just snow and the frozen lake with mountains in the distance. 

Then I saw a movement, far out on the ice. 

As the figure came closer, I saw it was a fox. A magnificent red fox. 

I stood very still, but knew the fox had smelled and seen me as he trotted across the ice and came closer. 

Then he stopped and looked at me, he didn't seem to be afraid. 

After looking at me one final time, he turned to his right, ran up the slope, crossed the road and disappeared.

I never forgot him though.

I feel myself smiling as I write about him now. He gifted me with yet another truly wonderful Wyoming memory.