Back to Nature

On early morning walks I have encountered horses, cows, rabbits and a variety of bird life, once including an emu. I have also been fortunate enough to encounter a couple of kangaroos and glimpse a platypus in the creek; and all this within easy walking distance from my own backyard.

When we were looking at buying our house, my husband and I liked the idea that there were horses and sheep across the road, a common with horses and cows behind us and only one next door neighbour. We had one neighbour at our other house and behind us, endless views of a bush land valley. We were simply replacing one piece of scenery for another. We did not envy the city dwellers their claustrophobic walls pressed in by neighbours on all sides and endless views of rooftops.

It took us some weeks to get accustomed to the endless array of stars in the night sky. We could see far more than what we ever could in the Blue Mountains. The air was clearer; no smoke hazes of pollution. Just to think that we would all be breathing cleaner air that would be better for our health was a good enough decision to move to the country.

We were quick to discover our surroundings and regularly take many walks into the common and around the creek. The local sports field is situated there, where school sporting events and local soccer and rugby games are held. The sports field is entirely surrounded by fencing, to prevent livestock from entering the grounds; however they cannot prevent rabbits from getting it and leaving remnants all over the area.

I had once taken the children on an early morning walk during the summer. My daughter, who was only about three at the time, was not too pleased with the distance we had walked. It didn’t take long for my son to begin complaining that he was soon bored with the expedition. There were some horses nearby at a watering hole and I decided to take them over for a closer look. When we had had enough, we began to walk away. Our trouble began when the horses began following us.

I stopped walking and gave one of them a nose rub and tried to encourage the children to pat them. My son obliged, however, my daughter did not wish to participate. Thinking that was all they wanted, we walked away again, only the horses continued to follow us. We were literally surrounded, and having to manoeuvre our way around them. They breathed over my head and shoulders and it was at about this time I was beginning to get worried. I had images of Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Birds’, only to be replaced by horses! My fear at what these animals could do transferred to my children and I tried to walk quickly and calmly back to the bridge with my children close beside me.

The horses followed us at a considerable distance and when we got nearer to the bridge, they slowed their pursuit and we managed to get away. I turned for about the hundredth time to look at them and they stood staring at us, watching us go. I wondered if they were disappointed or pleased with their efforts.

Since that time the children have become more cautious around horses and other large animals. I guess it has taught them that animals can be unpredictable.

It’s always good to get back to nature, whether it be walking, cycling or camping. Not only is it good for your health, but you just don’t know what you’ll find or what experiences you’re likely to encounter!

© Debbie Johansson 2007