December 14th - Thanksgiving Day

It was around thirty-three degrees, a little over freezing, but with bright sunlight. I was hiking down the side of a mountain when I saw a red squirrel crossing a leafless branch hanging over the trail. The squirrel stopped and looked at me. At first, I thought it was frozen with fear. Then, I noticed the squirrel was emaciated. Was it looking for nuts to bring home? Did it have babies waiting to be fed? I stopped and stared at it and it started to chatter, squirrel talk. It kept chattering as if it had a lot to tell me. Five or ten minutes passed with its non-stop squeaking and clacking. I sat down on the trail in amazement, just listening to the squirrel talk. Usually squirrels run and hide when they see you. Was it asking me if I had something to eat in my pockets? I did have a package of trail mix. I took it out, picked out the M&M's and left the squirrel the nuts, raisins, and sunflower seeds that comprised the remainder in a little pile on the trail. "Happy Thanksgiving," I said. I got up, walked under the branch, and went on my way. As I walked away it occurred to me that maybe this squirrel has rabies. It could jump down off the branch, bite me, and that would be the end of my hike. But, here I am. It is now December and I have just crossed into Georgia, the last state. I only have about eighty miles to go.

  - Jacques d'Amboise