We do not have electric power wired into our barn. Instead we use electric lanterns, flash lightsor headlamps. This, on a whole, has notbeen a problem. On the contrary it has probably been a training aid. This can prepare the gang for similar experiences when we must move around them, in thedark, with hand lights on the trail or a high line. Always take it slow and easy whenever you are around stock, using any kind of hand held or portable light. Almost everyone has, in a darkened room, used a flash light behind your manipulated hands to project images against a wall. This is the same kind of environment you are producing when you project a light around in a darkened barn or on the trail at night. Ed saw this first hand from the mule’s point of view, one night, as he was feeding. It was just into the dark side of dusk when he switched on his head lamp. Ed needed it at that time to safely open the hot wire gate to allow the gang into the barn to eat. He followed them, as they scooted in looking for their goodies. He was doing a normal, last minute look about that required the light beam following his heads movement when the school bell rang. This was the first time either of us has been able to observe a light projected scary object from their position. Ed was passing next to Darla and Lezzy when they all saw the same strange object, at the same time. An unidentified object was amongst them justpast the pipe fence in the feed room. The recognition and response was instant, they left and Ed stopped cold. Goodness, it was a 30 gallon garage feed can that he had repositioned, to a new site. But in the semi-dark of dusk, as the light beam hit near, for a moment, it looked, like a person bend down picking something up. What a great chance that was. Normally, we are always in front of them and neverable to accurately see and to understand what they may be seeing from their side of the light.
The above gives great credence to the old Chinese saying:“That catastrophe is opportunity riding the wild wind.”
