Pt 34 Along came a spider...
I did what any self-respecting adult with a healthy fear of surprise spider hugs would do....
As I turned back to the trail, I came face-to-web with a massive spider stretched across the path. A Golden Silk Orb-Weaver (Trichonephila clavipes), nearly two inches long, all spindly legs and unapologetic boldness. I had to catch my breath. This was the biggest spider I had ever seen and it was 2 inches from my nose. Had the hawk warned me? I stepped back quickly. I could have walked right into her. I suddenly feel hot and sweaty.
I took a deep breath and summoned the nerve to step closer, just to observe. So what happens with the spider?
Need to catch up?
Pt 32 Alligators, Monkeys and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, OH My
Or, Start from the beginning
She seemed completely unbothered by my presence. She had spun a stunning, intricate web that stretched several feet across the trail. A shimmering net of spun sunlight. I stood in awe, grateful I hadn’t barreled through and destroyed her golden masterpiece.
Still, I shuddered at the thought of the next unsuspecting walk-abouter—one unfortunate face-plant away from a full-blown panic. While Golden Silk Orb-Weavers are non-aggressive and typically shy, it made me wonder why she’d chosen a high-traffic trail as her architectural canvas. Maybe she knew exactly what she was doing. Or maybe, like all artists, she just picked the best light.
And yes, while their bite is said to be no worse than a bee sting, I know I’d be shrieking like a banshee if one of those legs so much as brushed me. I respect spiders for their role in keeping the flying insect population in check. I just don’t need to shake hands with one.
So, I did what any self-respecting adult with a healthy fear of surprise spider hugs would do. I dropped to the ground and did a full-on belly crawl through the sand to avoid her web. Had anyone been filming, I’m fairly certain it would’ve gone viral. I can only hope she appreciated the gesture.
Back on my feet, I glanced over my shoulder to make sure the spider was still there….check! She remained in her golden throne, undisturbed, her web catching the light like a woven sunbeam. I brushed the sandy dirt off the front of me, gave myself a quiet chuckle, and continued on my journey. The sun was now fully awake, warming my back as it climbed higher in the sky, casting longer shadows and pulling the day into full bloom.
With the spider safely in her web, undisturbed and reigning from her golden perch, I turned my attention back to a little secret I had hoped to discover. The terrain began to shift, less wild and tangled, more pine and oak. The trail curved gently, and the trees spaced themselves wider apart, as if making room for something sacred. The energy changed subtly, like a hush falling over the forest. That’s when I saw it: Indian Lake Cemetery. Who is buried here? A tale for next week. Stay tuned!
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Need to catch up?
Pt 32 Alligators, Monkeys and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, OH My
Pt 30 Singing Frogs, Fiery Sunsets & The Art of Mapping Adventure
Or, start from the beginning
Thank you for tuning in and reading this. I super appreciate you.
~Karen
I would have done the same! 🕷️🕸️