I used to talk to animals and then....we were hiking in England where the walking paths often pass through pasture land. We walked through the gate and down the path, cattle on both sides of the path. Being the animal chatterer, as we passed them, I talked to them saying stupid things like, "Don't mind us, we're vegetarian." "Nice day, isn't it?" etc. etc.

After about 100 yards of that, DH said, "uh....we're being followed." Sure enough, several of the cattle were now following us down the path. We kept walking and I kept talking, now, more out of nerves than just animal chattering.

The longer we walked the more cattle followed us. We stopped to chat with 2 guys and one of the cows came up behind me and nudged me along. It was getting a bit unsettling and the guys were very nervous as well. By the time we'd reached the end of the pasture, we couldn't get over the stile to get out of the area because the cattle were blocking it (http://www.cassandrathorn.com/images...WayGroup_P.JPG) We hopped a barbed wire fence.

Later, this city girl learned that cattle like to be talked to and will follow anyone who chatters with them. I've learned my lesson....no talking to the animals unless there is a fence between them and me.

Hmmm...maybe that's why I bike more now....the animals can't follow me?