ASC Staff
The only tool I need is my smartphone, but part of the task includes photographing all the roadkill I come across. I’m not the sort that gets squeamish—you can talk about splintered bones at the dinner table or ask me to watch an open heart surgery and I won’t flinch.
So, my head handles the process of documenting roadkill well, but I didn’t realize how my heart would be affected by doing more than just passing by and shaking my head mournfully. The act of stopping, getting off my bike, observing and photographing all adds up to some sort of intimate interaction with the deceased.
I find myself saying, “Oh little buddy, I’m so sorry.” Or in the case of this owl, I just stood and admired its beauty even though there was no life left.
I hit a squirrel once, and a bird flew into my windshield this one time… I still think about it often. I don’t know what the current solution is, other than to drive less?
Maybe that’s why I’m on a bike this summer: to drive less, and to find more ways to simplify my life, not just for my own well being, but for the well being of the air, the water, the land and the animals too.
I was brought up being taught that we are to be good stewards of the land that is given to us for the time that we spend on this Earth, and maybe being a good steward means not worrying about having the most convenient life possible, but instead, striking balances, making choices that have positive long term effects. I have a lot of time to think through this while riding my bike. |
Fundraise w/ Julie
Julie is raising $2 for every mile she bikes and hikes. 3,350 miles = $6,700 Follow her at juliehotz.com, and give before she reaches the Pacific! |