Lost in the Wilderness: Part 2

It was entirely apparent that I had to get my bearings back in order to get home before dark. The sky was draped in such a thick fog that I couldn't tell for the life of me what direction was what. Usually, my brain will keep a keen sense of bearing, but between the penetrating humidity, the twisted mile or two behind me, and a terrible belly ache, my sense of direction was gone. "Muff?!! Can you hear me when I yell?"..."Nope."..."The dogs are getting scared!"..."THANK YOU!"... I began to hustle through ferns and dead trees, scanning the darkening landscape for anything familiar. "Can you hear the horn now??!!!"...Faintly in the undetermined distance I could make out three quick toots of a horn! "YES!" Although it was reassuring to realize I was closer to home than I had been, I was no better oriented than I had been. Looking up into the sky I noticed just one long strip of discernible cloud in the otherwise blurry sky. "Do you see that long cloud?!"..."Yes."..."Does it run somewhat parallel to the property?"..."Sort of!". I knew exactly what direction I had to go in! I stepped up the pace and hoofed it a good 15 minutes through thick brush, then dark woods, then ferns, then dark woods again. Whatever enzymes make up the sensation of relief, finally coursed through me as I noticed that trusty old dead chicken next to the dark tree! I was nearly home!! I've never been so happy to see a dead chicken! (in the distance)...Muff!!!...(over the radio)..."I just saw a deer!"..."I can hear you!"..."Good! Now come do the dishes!". My adventure came to a close as I neared the house and laid that long-awaited first step back onto our property. Although Tia's deer sighting commanded much of the conversation to follow, my walk into the dangers of being lost will stay with me for some time.