It was a trip like any other, walking aimlessly around, having pointless conversation and taking in the general charm of the environment.

The destination: Greenlake, Washington.

My parents had come up for the day with my dog, Cleo. She’s quite an energetic bundle so we thought we would let her run around Greenlake for a while. Plus, my mom had never been there.

So off we went, to the lake.

Upon arrival, it seemed like a normal day. The runners, the walkers, the rollerbladers and the occasional angry mother, pushing her stroller over the dividing-line for “feet” and “wheels.”

We began our walk with Cleo in the lead, determined to say “hello” to every member of her species she could spot. We stayed on the path for a good portion of the stroll, when Cleo decided she needed a break. After realizing Cleo was thirsty, my dad found a side-trail that looped closer to the lake so she could have a drink.

This is where the trip got exciting.

We were almost to the edge of the lake when, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a bird dive-bomb a lady’s head. I immediately let out a little giggle (which of course she heard) and quickly asked if she was ok. I later learned that I probably did not have the expertise to answer this question.

“Oh yes, I’m fine,” she assured me. “This guy gets a little territorial from time to time.”

Now I was intrigued, was this bird a…friend?

It turns out, he was. After talking with her for a while I found out that she is well acquainted with many of the birds that reside in this loop and she comes out everyday to feed them.

She explained to me she couldn’t even walk the lake without getting bombarded.

“I have to wear a hat,” she said, warning me about the sharpness of their feet. “And if I don’t have seeds and bread, they are not happy.”

As my family and I continued our walk she stayed with us for a bit, wanting to learn as much as she could about Cleo. She knew right away that Cleo was not a regular, telling me that she could recognize most dogs that are there on a daily basis.

As we parted ways I saw her return to her loop and coax the birds out of their hiding. As it turned out, what was a completely normal day at the lake for her, made my trip quite exceptional.

So, next time you’re at the lake, put on your hard-hat and keep your eyes open for the birds, and their devout friend with the bread.

Until next time,

C