I made a promise to my daughter and myself that once we moved and I started working that I would make a conscious effort to relieve stress. Our prime apartment location places us less than a mile from a lovely place to enjoy fresh air, get in some exercise and let go of workday worries.
Hardberger Park calls itself "The best place in San Antonio to see and feel the wild". At least 4 days out of the week I come home long enough to change clothes and grab a water bottle. Hardberger East in the evenings is a sight to behold. The afternoon sun peeks through the trees as moms and dads watch their kids on the playground. The dog park is usually teeming with dogs and owners of all ages, sizes, and breeds. Bike riders, runners, and walkers cover the trails some in talking in pairs while others are solo wearing headphones.
Iphone in hand, headphones donned and stretching completed, I began walking the Geology Trail and immediately in my peripheral noticed a 4 legged animal to my right. It blended in so well that I started to believe my mind was playing tricks. No sooner than I was convinced myself of delusions a deer crossed right in front of me. I tried to turn on the camera, Snap Chat, anything to capture it! In my clumsiness the opportunity quickly passed. I continued on my walk, when 10 minutes later the deer reappeared. I was able to take a couple of photos and a very short video. I sent it to Naysia as proof and completed the trail. The rest of the evening and well into the next day I couldn't stop thinking about the walk. The fresh air, the adrenaline, and the deer. 
The following day I hurried home after work and was soon back on the Geology trail. This time I had all camera apps open and ready to go, just in case the deer was waiting for me too. My eyes were peeled, looking for movement in the trees. Silly of me to think the deer would be in the same place at the same time. Disappointed, I followed the sign that led to Salado Creek. I'm a sucker for a body of water. Slowly I walked to the edge of the man made pedestrian bridge and peered over. No water. But! To the left recognizable movement in the trees appeared. This time there wasn't just one deer, but four. And I began to follow them, happily distracted, not realizing I was veering off the familiar trail.
Hardberger Park closes it's gates at sundown. With the daylight savings time in effect the sun would soon set. I passed by the slow couple in front of me, convinced that the exit was just around the bend. I stopped to admire the largest spider I'd ever seen. Storm clouds began to close in. The trail transitioned from concrete to dirt to sand and began to get narrow. The sounds of children diminished. The number of trees increased and several of them had red tape tied around them. More deer appeared and they stood, very still, staring in my soul. I was reminded of the M. Night Shyamalan film, "The Village" and surely 'Those we don't speak of' were bound to appear. And to top it all off my battery was dying. 
I wasn't sure of what to do. Should I turn around and go back the other way? It'll certainly be dark by then. Shall I keep going? I've never heard of deer attacking humans, but is it possible? What other animals are out here? I don't know where the trail ends, what if isn't near the parking lot? I'll take an Uber home if I have to.
I continued to walk in the same direction and eventually I could begin to hear people talking. Then an exit sign appeared. Thank God!!
Upon reaching the entry of the park I took one of the available maps for review. I sat on a bench and could not help but begin to laugh out loud. All of the trails intersect and are finish where they start. and the trail wasn't nearly as long as it felt. I've been back since. Map in hand, phone fully charged and eager to collect more stories.
What do you call a deer with no eyes?
I have no eye deer.
:)
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