Marilyn

About 12 years ago I was camping in Forestville State Park in south/central Minnesota in late autumn. The park is in what is left of a once large forest but is now surrounded by open farmland. I was walking alone on a wide path surrounded by bare trees (almost a corridor) when just ahead of me was a snowy owl flying straight at me. It seemed like it was staring at me with great intent. I was, and still am, amazed by its wingspan, its yellow eyes, the shape of its face, its speed and grace. It was eye level with me for a just a second or two but I'll never forget it. For years I thought it couldn't be a snowy owl because it was too far south, not quite winter, the sun was shining and we were in the trees. But there's just no other explanation I've found, and to be honest, I don't want to find another explanation. It was a magnificent sight.