The day dawned though not in blue. This day’s vestment donned the skies in a vast, deep gray. The thermostat hovered, stubbornly complacent at freezing. A mist-filled breeze sent shivers. The stage was set. Was this a tacit cue to how this day might unfold?

Fortunately, weather notwithstanding, any day visiting Deer Haven Park is an adventure. The park’s unique encounters never cease to amaze even the most seasoned participants. Perhaps due to mankind’s ever-changing, ever-moving society, it goes without saying that an escape into nature exudes a much-welcome, peaceful ambiance.

This off-season, one-day-only event was held as the park lay in dormant sleep. As nature rests, most birds migrate, some mammals burrow, and others reserve energy at all costs. The result is little sound and unequivocal tranquility. Food for the soul.

Frayed, sepia-colored corn husks flittered on the breeze as the massive steel entrance gates awakened. A palpable shift in energy filled the bus as tourist excitement energized the air with invisible sparks. Some had returned to tour with hesitant expectations; others were experiencing their first adventure. Many traveled from surrounding states, others from various counties within. All were absorbing the fascinating military and land history shared by tour guide Pam Raes.

A rafter of wild turkeys scuttled across a roadway within the park’s depths. Perhaps a sign, giving hopeful expectation of wildlife movement yet to come. One could only hope.

Tourist Sharron Peet sat amongst the sold-out crowd and shared a secret: “I’ve been on a walking tour, an auto tour, and a bus tour. All were great, but I’ve yet to see a white deer.” She capped her comment with an anticipant smile. Her perseverance was evident, her understanding of the park being a natural habitat and therefore an ever-changing experience on any given day foremost, but still ... Assuredly, with her obvious reverence for this acreage, its heritage, and wildlife, such positivity could manifest white whitetail viewing success on this day?

Fascinating tidbits alluded to the Italian prisoners of war held within the confines of the former Seneca Ordnance Depot, as well as the much-appreciated work of the Woman Ordnance Workers (WOW) and their vast array of abilities contributed during WWII. Suddenly, as has become the standard practice upon tours, someone excitedly announced, “Deer!” All heads turned to see two doe taking advantage of melted snow, indulging in much needed sustenance, their brown-grey winter coats flawlessly blending into the environment.

Soft murmurs pursued. An elevated yet cautious expectation simmered, the underlying anticipation that the deer might be active after all. “Kilmer was here” munitions igloo graffiti rolled past. The decades old eagle’s nest, currently empty of its inhabitants but nonetheless awe-inspiring, served photographer’s lenses well.

And then it happened. A white doe meandered across a roadway. Moments later, more whites and browns emerged, feasting on prominent grasses, heads raised, ears twitching. Thereafter, it seemed resident brown and whites appeared repeatedly. Like the replay of one’s favorite movie, the sightings never ceased to enthrall. With each new sighting, excitement heightened, as elevated camera lenses focused on freeze-framing every moment.

The tour’s coup de gras unfolded before astonished eyes as one white and one brown buck appeared side by side, antlers unshed. Such a rare occurrence to cap an amazing adventure. For at least one optimistic visitor, the ultimate gift in return for patience and perseverance. It was as if the park’s protective Spirit knew, understood, and consented. A blessing felt by all.

And as the massive steel exit gates disengaged, the visitors’ thanksgiving festooned the park with a parting warmth that practically glistened. This was a day not soon to be forgotten, sent courtesy from beyond the fence.

Dee Calvasina, www.deecalvasina.com, is the author of “Beyond the Fence, The Amazing World of Deer Haven Park” a writer, speaker, and monthly columnist for the Finger Lakes Times who supports the conservation of military history, nature, and wildlife at DHP.

© Finger Lakes Times