Blue Ridge Community College - Doubling Yearbook (Weyers Cave, VA)

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Illustration by Brenda Bocock 85

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Journal Entry April 12th. Thursday How could it snow in the middle of April? It can't do it. I'm ready for spring and warm weather! A cow is missing, and I dread going out to look for her in such awful weather. Decided to walk out through the back. rather than chance driving around by the road and perhaps getting stuck in the snow. I started out in a bad , very begrudging mood. By contrast, the dogs were excitedly jumping around, anxious to be starting out on a jaunt. They seemed to be going in every direction at once and couldn't get there fast enough. Before I had gone very far, the weather started to clear. As I climbed over the sagging, rusty fence into the quiet, white-blanketed woods, it seemed like I was entering allother world. The trees stood as dark sentinels against the snow. The hill was steep , and by the time I reached the top, my feet felt like they were wrapped in cement. Then I began to notice the darting birds and hear the harsh cries of crows overhead. The sounds of the dogs crashing through the underbrush told me their whereabouts. It was comforting to hear them as the noise they made would surely send any menacing animal that might be lurking about, scurrying away. The tiny creek at the bottom of the hill was easily crossed, and I started up the next ridge. Emerging out of the trees at the top, I immediately felt the icy pellets of half snow, half rain against my face. I made a loop around the field, trying to see as much ground as possible, and doing as little walking as possible. I could hear the other cows bawling from down below by the road, and the bleating of lost lambs for their mothers coming from a neighboring farm . After deciding I had used about half my energy, it was time to turn for home. I hugged the opposite fence line, weaving in and out of the swaying cedar trees. Still no sign of the maverick. Now the earth was plunging away from my footsteps , and I was descending through the brush once again. The warming sun's rays were falling on the snow-wet leaves, causing curling mists to arise from them . I crossed the remaining barried fence, emerging out in the open again. The sun was warm and the creek gurgling with the increased water from the fast-melting snow. I saw a fleet- ing shadow cross my path and glide up the hill nearby. It belongs to the silently soaring hawks circling lazily through the clear, azure sky. I can feel my spirits rising in the warm sunshine, and observing all the wonders of nature. Two powerful red forms are still loping effortlessly over and down the green hillsides. As I climb the last little rise before arriving at the yafd gate, I can feel a complete change of attitude from when I started out. I was thankful to have such beautiful countryside to be able to walk through. Donna Steger Honorable Mention Miscellaneous Category 87