Deer Crossing (The Story Behind the Image)

Over the decades I have been blessed more than I deserve with interesting wildlife and scenic outdoor observations. Yesterday a very brief interaction occurred that I will remember for a long time.

As I was driving to a training, fog was rising over the fields and river steam was lifting above the Cedar River. Such conditions are conducive for pretty images, so I paused often during my travels.

It was when I drove over the Cedar River northwest of Waverly (C33) that I noticed river steam and a warm color as I looked toward the sun. I quickly finished crossing the bridge so I could turn around for a photo. Turn around I did so I could then turn around again to position myself on the bridge in the proper position for recording the view. As I turned around a second time a whitetail deer began a slow walk across the river in the steam. The deer was just what I needed to add a special element to an already pretty scene.

Since I was on the bridge I shot only a few images and moved on. The scene was beautiful and one more likely to exist in my imaginations than reality. But, this time I was able to live it and for that I am so thankful.