Jim Panttaja

We are now spending our week days (and some weekends) in San Francisco. Most days we get our on our bikes and ride from South Beach through Fisherman’s Wharf, through Fort Mason, along the Marina, and toward Fort Point (I am sure we will vary this as we get more comfortable with city riding).

I had been noticing that there are very few animals in the city (duh!). Just dogs and birds. I know there are mice, and no doubt rats, though I haven’t seen them. A couple of days ago, while riding through Fort Mason, I smelled a skunk. On Friday, I saw the skunk cross the paved bikeway/hiking path we ride on. Just after I saw it cross - I saw a woman, off the path. The skunk had gone to see her, and collect its meal. I am sure that this is a regular event - the skunk knew when and where to show up.

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When I am in Healdsburg, I look out my window many mornings to see deer walking along my fence line. Many months of the year, there are lizards scurrying every time I go out the front door. Last fall, we saw eight snakes in the same week. Skunks, possums and squirrels are regular visitor. And in the spring, a flock of wild (but not native) turkeys wonders through our property.

City people must be desperate to view wild life.