Close Encounter On The A. T. In Md, 05/23/09

have to admit that this was a pretty poor attempt at photographing wildlife, but besides other hikers, this was the only creature I saw. My size 15 foot tromping on the trail tends to scare most wildlife away long before I arrive. I also thought there were curious markings on the stone in the upper right. For northbounders it can be taken as an omen of what lies ahead.