Crazy things happen when you’re out in the field. I carry lots of equipment for working with rocks, but nothing to ward off invaders. On this day, I was merely trying to have lunch and I found myself wishing I had my sword.
When I’m out doing geology, I seldom think that I’d wish for a sword. But there I was, with a stick and a rock hammer.
And the Clark’s Nutcracker was totally divebombing me.
I was mistaken to think I could wield a stick and a hammer in defense against such a little bird. That thing was maneuverable!
And a hammer is no main gauche. Almost immediately, I clipped my finger, dropping everything. The bird swooped down and took what was left of my sandwich. I guess that’s what it wanted all along.
When I finally looked at my hand, it was blood everywhere. Yup, my field day was over and I was on my way to the ER.
Alas, if only I carried a proper Main Gauche – a parrying dagger – with me, this might not have happened. But who carries such things in the field?
Penny Higgins - Storyteller • Artist • Scientist 