Harri and I are on a slow run. We picked up a load Monday afternoon that delivers 2 days later, but is only a 700 mile run. That means a lot of down time for us. I don't actually mind this time, since it's been allowing me to catch up on my sleep.

Monday morning we had to run from south of Fresno to just south of Stockton to pick up our load. Harri hadn't been getting much walking in lately because of our busy schedule so I figured we might try a day walk for a change. And a big change it was, too - we haven't taken anything other than night walks for a couple of months now.

When we drove through Fresno I pulled off at Klein's truck stop, got Harri hooked up in her "kittying gear" (harness and leash), and carried her across the street to the remains of an abandoned orchard. We had an excellent time, and Harri for a change didn't mind that it was light out. Lots of interesting plants to smell, a few lizards scurrying around, and some nice butterflies to chase.

One butterfly took to the air right in front of Harri. She immediately pounced on it and batted it out of the air. It went down in a mustard bush, and Harri decided she wanted to finish off this butterfly. She would make a big, high pounce, leap up and dash to the other side of the bush and pounce again, dart under the bush and slap upwards - it was quite a sight. Considering that Harri kitten is such an accomplished huntress, the fact that this battle went on for at least 10 minutes tells me this butterfly must have been trained in the martial arts. But Harri didn't give up, and didn't let herself become intimidated by this monstrous fighting butterfly - she kept pouncing and pawing.

Finally, winded and panting, Harri administered the coup de grace and finished off this warrior butterfly. She had a very satisfied look on her face as she munched it down.

Tonight we were back to night walking. We're back in Phoenix, OR, and took an hour and 15 minute dark walk. No killer butterflies tonight, but lots of greeblings that needed to be pounced upon and tossed in the air.

Copyright © Dan Mahoney
April 6, 2005