Watching for Wapiti

The process of discovery is an exciting experience. I sit here within my sacred (Wicca) Circle in the coastal scrub of Northern Washington State seemingly alone, but I know from the many signs and sensations that I am not alone; The elk are all around me! It's hard to see them even when they are close because they are so good at blending into the brush. I can smell them when the wind blows. I've walked along their paths that lead to spots where they have lain to rest. Occasionally I find their droppings, and far off their calls can be heard. Nearby I feel eyes upon me. The young aspen blowing leaves in the wind seem to speak warnings to me as if the elk were a threat to me as well as to the tender sprouting leaves. Perhaps it is so; I must take care for these magnificent creatures are quite large! I am in their space and I give them due respect. I go off now to observe and search for further signs of the Roosevelt Wapiti.

( Written in Washington State about the year 2000, exact date unknown. Many wild animals had moved into lower altitude areas due to dry weather conditions. My encounters with the elk grew closer. I continued in joy for some time to make detailed observations of a small herd of female elk hiding right behind the houses of avid hunters in town until the herd was chased away by what can only be described as Bigfoot or Sasquatch having entering the area.)


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