Something rasped on the other side of the hedge. A thin whistling breath that rose and fell. The leaves rustled, like something leaned on the foliage.
I moved to the other side of the hedgerows, trying to compute a solution. A cow. A horse. But the noise was so aggressive and regular. So hungry. I flicked between staying frozen,making a run for it, and wondering if there was anything to run from in the first place. In the end walking was the best option.
Whatever strodge through the field moved with me. Something like dozens of hooves at a racecourse thudded on the ground. I thought about calling out. But what would that achieve? My sole choice was the route ahead.
I ran in the end. My body protested, deciding even in this moment of panic that breath was more important.
The hedge collapsed into a thin skeleton of sticks. These emaciated branches provided a window to a grey wall of fur blurred forever in motion, without ever reaching a tail.
My pace increased to a sprint. Both walking boots were concrete slabs catching on loose leaves and twigs. A rasp called out,
Almost a greeting.
The wheels of cucumber green tractor at the end of the path were centimetres from the cusp of the macadam. The driver swore. I am about to shout about my assailant, and point at the whirling beast closing in, when I realise the panting has ceased. I stand in a clothes painted with sweat, and even the birds were silent.
A slow trudge to the car followe. My hands shook all the way home.
Back at the house I realise this must have been a horse. Or rather, half a dozen.
Wédehund Comb is a nifty, nimble little walk. Vibrant and active wildlife. Ensure you stay to the path. Do not get yourself in a panic.
::So there you go Barbara. Again, all I can assure you is that I am being accurate. At least in terms of my lived experience.
There are rumours aren't there? Of lions and cougars hiding in the British countryside. Leftovers from old zoos and private collectors.
If there was any truth to this rumour, they had to be somewhere, right? Is that what I saw? But then why the length? The noise?
I trifled to get a photo. Please do not forget I was running, and my hands were blazing electricity. I have highlight the fur where possible.
I'm not giving up. I'm going further in.:::
