Many years ago my descent of the hill on my way to work was slowed by three (count 'em, three) porcupines waddling down dead center of our road. Lead one turned around first, noticed the car, and ambled towards the side of the road. Second one finally took note and did the same. Third one was much slower on the uptake, but at last I could go faster than minus five mph on my way to work.

Coming the other direction on my way home one afternoon I came out of the woods into the clearing by the power lines with an owl -- wingspread about the same as my car width -- flying just above and in front of my windshield. WOW!

And then there was the absolutely elegant and regal fox surveying his domain from the middle of the road. After a couple seconds of mutual staring, he decided the woods on the side of the road was a better place to be.

We used to have an almost completely white skunk (black only on its belly) that lived in the vicinity of the house. Early one summer morning I was standing just outside the door on the deck enjoying being outside on such a glorious morning in the secret light of dawn, when I perceived movement amongst the flower pots of tomato plants, nasturtium, and other salad fixings. Out strolled a sort of light butterscotch critter -- cat? Uh uh. Skunk. He eyed me as warily as I eyed him as he walked past me, down the steps and under the deck.

Linn