Tuesday, July 26, 2005

near miss with a fawn

I had a close encounter with a deer on the way to work this morning. I was driving along Highway 23 just on the east side of the beautiful Kettle River. The road goes downhill and around a slight curve before crossing the river. As I approached the curve, suddenly I saw a fawn walk into the opposite lane. I hit the brakes carefully, then realized there was a pickup truck approaching in the lane the fawn was in. That fawn was in a tough situation, and most likely to run directly in front of me. I didn't have time to think whether or not I could avoid it. Suddenly, the fawn leaped across my lane, flying eye level with the drivers seat and just yards in front of the still-moving car! It cleared my lane, landing in the shoulder and disappearing under the guard rail. I wonder if the other driver was close enough to see the look on my face when that fawn was directly in front of me.

I had to pull over in the middle of the river bridge a moment to collect myself before continuing. It wasn't that I was consumed with the fear and shock of a near-miss, although the adrenaline was pumping. What I was thinking was "Absolutely awesome!" I mean, that fawn FLEW. I never knew a young deer could leap like that. It was a thing of beauty.

Of course, I am thankful that the fawn did not become road kill, the other driver and I were not hurt, and my vehicle didn't suffer a scratch.

3 comments:

Madcap said...

I'm glad you're alright, too. I had a near-miss like that a few years ago, and it's amazing how your brain can divide between awe and horror in a millisecond, and still perform the necessary movements for driving!

Anonymous said...

L and I had a fawn encounter today, though we were stomping through the woods and stirred it from its hiding place. It paused for a moment in the sunlight, and it looked an absolutely astonishing golden brown, but I guess it was camera shy, because it vaulted away before I could take a pic.

R.Powers said...

My wife and daughter have both had deer vs. car accidents with no injuries, but major car damage. Glad you missed that fawn and yes, their leaping ability is amazing.
Take care.