An encounter

Storms. Drifting sheets of rain slant down across the plains of Kansas and Nebraska, the sun slashes through the clouds to create a patchwork of shadow and sunlight. That's what I imagined the airspace looked like last night and tonight as I wove air traffic around and through the storms that filled my sector. Or at least, what I imagined after I'd had a chance to wind down. Somehow, during the rush, I was a bit focused.

However, afterwards. Last night, for example, I managed a walk around the facility at around eight pm. Dusk, just enough light to see, peaceful. Storms out east and west, but here at Denver Center the clouds formed a dark barrier to the west, with the sun peeking underneath the thunderstorms over Longs Peak. This in one way to unwind. Sometimes, of course, I listen for the owl that inhabits the huge cottonwood to the east of the parking lot, but last night I was distracted. Then I saw the fox.

I've known a fox family was living near the abandoned barn adjacent to the facility, but I'd never seen them. But as I walked around the perimeter of the parking lot, I noticed it. Him, or her. (ever notice how hard it is to refer to a fox as he?) Sitting at the fence line, watching me pass by perhaps 30 feet away. I slowed down, and stopped, and just watched back. And let my imaginations loose for a while.

I suspect, in the wild, a fox would never be so open about it's presence, but here, it was obviously comfortable with us hanging around. I imagined being in the wilderness, though. Watching a fox hunting while unaware of my presence. Stalking a mouse, or perhaps a rabbit (there are rabbits all around the FAA facility, so that's likely one source of food). I noticed it's tail held high as it watched me and wondered. In dogs, a high tail indicates happiness, or comfort, or other (humanly labeled) positive attitudes. WHy was the fox happy...

There's a story in it. Put it in my file for things to write about. Why was the fox happy.

Clear skies,
Jim