by J.L. Eck

Created on: March 10, 2010

Staying up late while camping is one of my favorite things to do.  After all others are sleeping, I enjoy taking a long walk by myself in the quiet darkness.  One particular damp and foggy spring night, while camping at Paint Creek in southern Ohio, I happened across a pair of skunks frolicking through the park. 

As I strolled along all by myself, drinking my bourbon and coke, I could see something moving about in the distance.  Not sure of what it was, I cautiously approached, straining my eyes in order to see through the thick fog and moonless darkness.  What was this writhing thing that seemed to appear, then a second later, disappear?  I was intrigued.  I stalked even closer, stepping ever so quietly as not to disturb or provoke an attack from whatever it was.

"Where did it go?"  I whispered to myself after losing track of the silent "creature."  Before I knew it, I nearly stepped on what was to be a pair of skunks playing, pawing at each other as if they were cats.  They seemed completely unaware of me.  This was an unusal experience right then and there, but it was nowhere near over. 

I noted that there was no stink.  That famed terrible smell usually associated with skunks lingered not in the air around these two little critters.  I was able to get within just a foot or two of them and could smell not a thing except the damp night air.  How could this be, I thought, but continued to take advantage of this wonderfully strange event.  (Later, I was told that this was more than likely a courting ritual, therefore the skunks put off no odor-pretty civilized, huh?)  While the two romped throughout the campgrounds, I followed through campsites, past the shower house, and down the lane toward the general store careful not to disturb anything or anyone.  

I couldn't believe this was happening!  These two skunks actually seemed to be posing for me at times.  Never had I ever played with skunks, but this night I tempted fate with extremely cautious attempts at interacting with them.  I copied some of the subtle noises they made and they watched.  I got close to the ground and called them by pursing my lips and making kissing noises.  They came closer!  I was worried I would end up smelling up camp, but I was so excited that I kept playing.  For nearly an hour, I followed this pair of jubilant creatures and tried to take part in their games.  It was one of the craziest night walks I had ever taken.

As we neared the general store, the skunks seemed to try harder and harder to lose me, but I persisted to pursue.  Soon, they were obviously tired of my intrusion and began appearing defensive, so I retreated to a distance that I felt was safe from being sprayed and watched as they seemed to cuddle each other for a moment.  Then as quietly as they appeared, the pair of night dwellers disappeared, apparently underground.

The next morning, I told the others of my experience.  Of course, snickering and mocking comments were made.  None of my camping buddies understood the effect of that night upon my soul.  I doubt they ever will.

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