Highway Hell

Recently Jane and I took a trip to Raleigh to attend Claire's final project presentation of 10 designs based on traditional and indiginous inspirations. They were beautiful and professionally realized and it was so exciting to see the progress Claire has made with her design ability and execution.

On the way we passed a deer that had become trapped between the highway and the fence constructed to prevent just such an occurence. It was heartbreaking to watch as the deer attempted to find a way to safety, being thwarted at every attempt. We slowed down but even at reduced highway speeds it would have been impossible to avoid killing the animal if we collided, which we did not. I couldn't help wondering how long this agony would continue for the animal before someone would inevitably collide with the desperate deer, possible even causing a more serious accident.

As we passed the scene, Jane thought she saw blood at the animal's mouth. Possibly there had already been a hit and the animal was running on sheer adrenelin, soon to succumbe to exhaustion or shock. I could see the wild panic in the eyes as it traced an erratic path next to the highway.

This caused me to reflect on the plight of so many of our wild "neighbors" everywhere. I am determined to allow Hawkscry to be a small refuge for wild animals, preventing hunting and trespass as much as possible and creating conditions that encourage them to stay such as allowing natural undercover to remain and not altering the natural conditions in the greater part of the property (no development).