Mike and I are now enjoying the cool, comfort of our home. We planned a five-day backpack fishing trip into one of the wild areas of northern Pennsylvania. Mike has fished for native trout here since the late 1970’s. I wanted to go there one more time before leaving for Africa.
We decided to hike into a new spot this year. It was high and flat. We passed through areas that included bog meadows and plenty of rocks. Both combinations perfect habitat for the rare wildflower known as Pink Lady’s-Slipper and for the Timber Rattlesnake. The one we were glad to see, the other we were hoping not to.
The flower was a pleasant surprise. What a delicate, lovely flower! One has to ask why God put such a beautiful flower in a place where most people will not likely see. The following day, I was hauling wood. I was on the trail not far from our campsite when I heard a “buzz” and turned. Behind me was one of God’s most fascinating and feared creatures. It was a decent sized rattlesnake in the “black phase”. Thankfully I did not panic. Mike later asked me did I notice the head. No, I had been fixated on the tail.
We have been pondering this experience. Once again we are reminded that God is with us everywhere we go, no matter where we go. He is in the mountains of our state and He is in the faraway place of Tanzania. How thankful we are for His constant abiding presence! Joann
