I’m careful about walking in the woods during the summer months. Although it’s refreshing to wander beneath the cool shade of the trees, the burgeoning undergrowth makes it hard to see more than a few feet ahead.
Flossie races through woodland like a gazelle so I keep her on the lead in case of anything unexpected.
Maybe I’m being overly cautious, but this stems from an incident a few years ago with my previous dog, Dotty.
It was a tranquil Sunday morning when we entered the top of the woods near Englishcombe from the glaring sun of the adjoining fields. As Dotty trotted ahead, a man emerged from the trees in front of us. In the dappled sunshine it looked like he was wearing flesh coloured clothing. I haven’t got the best eyesight.
As we drew closer, I realised that the man was, in fact, naked. He was young and his hands were protecting his modesty. We both stopped, unsure of the etiquette in such situations, while Dotty bounded up to him. Unlike Flossie who is scared of most men, Dotty loved everyone, clothed or otherwise. I prayed the man wouldn’t move either hand to pat her.
The man and I had a stilted conversation, whilst keeping a safe distance from one another. I stutteringly announced I would go back the way I had come. He acknowledged this, looking somewhat awkward.
Dotty and I retraced our steps and walked the long way around the woods to make our way home. I didn’t think to ask the man if he needed help. My instinct was to escape, quickly.
Had he been there all night? Had friends abandoned him as a prank? How did he get home? There were so many questions that remain unanswered to this day.
So, if you see Flossie and I scuttling through the woodland undergrowth looking like we are in a hurry, now you know why.
We are hoping we don’t meet any naked people.
As published in the Bath Chronicle, 22 August 2019
Suzy Pope is a certified copywriter and newspaper columnist specialising in pets, business and lifestyle. If you would like help with a writing project, please get in touch.
