The frosted landscape shuddered. Reminiscent of the reverb felt in the days of yore when the Seneca Army Depot’s demolition field triggered unserviceable munitions. This shudder, however, was more like that of a shiver up one’s spine. A release of chill into a penetrating sunshine whose warmth saturated Earth’s soul. Nature sighed.

A small group of adventurers gathered to partake in a reprieve with nature via Deer Haven Park’s end-of-season walking tour. Loading onto the tour bus, the group would first be transported into the park’s tranquil depths. Numerous brown whitetails grazed, seemingly attentive to the company they were keeping, as is the apparent fashion during rutting season. Lush, dew-filled grasses served up a luxurious breakfast buffet.

Spotted in the expanse, a white doe lounged among billowing goldenrod and browning timothy grass. Silently somber, her gaze remained transfixed as the bus lingered, those aboard awed and admiring; the doe, of course, under the illusion of total concealment. One must........

© Finger Lakes Times