So, Saturday, I'm riding 200k of the March 4th 400k route, (well, sort of, just what I can reach from my house, with a leg out to the route, then a cut across the middle to get on the leg back past my house) and it is a beautiful morning, cloudy, cool, mockingbirds singing, violets out for the first time, redbuds going crazy. I'm talking to all the farm animals I meet- they seem particularly alert and curious in the morning. I am thrilled when I say hi to some goat kids and one answers back! Pretty soon, I'm _way_ out in the country, on a road I have never ridden. What's that up ahead? Two buffalos, (yes, I am aware they are really American Bison...) in two separate pastures, with an open gate between them, closest to the road. A big one, and a little one. As I come closer, and say "Hi buffalos!" the little one starts running toward the fence. I say "Oh! Hi Baby! You're so cute! Are you happy to see a bike?" and he keeps running toward me, and right as I pass, he cuts through the gate and runs to the big one. I say "You're running to momma! What a little scaredy cat, not a big strong buffalo! Run to Mommy!" He gets to Mom, and she stops grazing and spins around and slowly canters off. I love seeing all the cool animals when I'm out riding. Even if it's just cows and stuff.

Nanci