It was a great fall day and a great hike. The temperatures were in the upper 60s and low 70s with very little humidity. The breeze was gentle and sometimes non-existent as we hiked through patches of golden yellow aspens and brilliant red ferns mixed among the tall pines whose fresh scent filled the air.  The sky was blue with occasional white puffy clouds passing by.  In my shorts, t-shirt, wool socks and light hiking shoes, I was neither cold nor broke a sweat; a rare feat while hiking (it’s usually one or the other). Throughout the day, we would often hear the sound of water cascading through the woods as the trail followed the St Vrain and Ouzel Creeks in Rocky Mountain National Park.

As we headed back down the trail from Ouzel Falls, an animal suddenly dashed across our path. It had something large and bright red in its mouth. I took a second look. A golden mantle ground squirrel bounced by carrying a large, bright red mushroom.  I don’t think I ever saw a happier squirrel as it scooted off the trail and into the woods with boundless elation.

It turns out that mushrooms, along with berries and nuts, are one of these squirrels’ favorite food sources. They’re much better for them than the M and M’s and chips that many misguided visitors tend to feed the squirrels. And based on the size of that mushroom, this guy had found the equivalent to a side of beef. As I watched I was reminded of Psalm 104: 27, 28,

“They all wait for You

To give them their food in due season.

You give to them, they gather it up;

You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good.”

God provided nourishment for this squirrel by the way of a mushroom. At the same time He provided me and my hiking companions the pleasure of seeing His hand at work in His creation and a chance to see these two versus come alive.

Later, I read Psalm 111:2, which says,

“Great are the works of the LORD;

They are studied by all who delight in them.”

I’m not sure if the contents are correct or not, but I sure did “delight” in seeing that squirrel. If you take time to study His creation long enough, you too will find delight.

Did I mention it was great day?

©2009 Pasquale R Mingarelli         wildheartphotography.com