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- May 2, 2004
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I saw them hiding from the fire. They were, up under the edge of a decayed piece of bark. But the fire was coming their way and they new it
There was a tiny red ant; a gigantic black beetle and a two inch long, wood roach.
I was watching these three, as I rested, twenty feet, from the roaring fire. I had moved ten wheelbarrow loads, of wood, that afternoon, and was starting to wear down a bit. So I watched, this fascinating scene.
The two logs in question, were lying diagonally, up against the back side of the big fire. The fire wasn't to them yet but it wouldn't be long.
Where the butts of the two logs, intersected the ground, the grass was still green. I figured the insects would come out from under the bark, make a quick "U" turn and crawl off the end of the log. Going up was sure death
Sideways, likewise; down was the only option. The ant took a quick foray up, maybe six inches and came back down to the protective covering of the bark. The wide black beetle took his turn and was quickly consumed by the fire. Way to slow
That left the tiny ant and the paper winged roach. My money was on the ant. The roach, darted out, low to the ground with his wings plastered to his thin body. One thousand one, one thousand two! He stayed out on the logs, four, maybe five seconds, tops. I expected to see him burst into flames. But he made it back to the bark. The escape route seemed clear to me. But, then I'm not stuck on the burning logs.
The next trip out for the ant and I had, lost my money. After a minute or so you couldn't even recognize his little body
That left the roach. I figured he would wait as long as he could then throw himself into the hottest part of the fire. Get it over with, quick.
That roach; who I am pulling for now, I'm gripping the arms of my chair, makes four more forays, out onto the two burning logs. The last trip out he runs the length of one log, jumps to the next and drives for the summit. I am up on the edge of my chair now; I know I am about to watch this insect commit suicide. I am holding my breath! the bastid makes a quick turn and throws himself off the burning log. Amazingly, His wings open and start to beat, I know they are about to catch fire, but he keeps them pumping. The updraft from the big fire almost draws him back but the wings keep churning. Suddenly, he is caught on a cross breeze and is lifted through the air to a nearby rose bush. Safe! Fate, you never know, do you?
Things can get a little slow around here and I take my entertainment where I can get it.:
Well the excitements over; I better get back to work.
Fred
Last edited by Fred Rowe : Today at 08:26 PM.
There was a tiny red ant; a gigantic black beetle and a two inch long, wood roach.
I was watching these three, as I rested, twenty feet, from the roaring fire. I had moved ten wheelbarrow loads, of wood, that afternoon, and was starting to wear down a bit. So I watched, this fascinating scene.
The two logs in question, were lying diagonally, up against the back side of the big fire. The fire wasn't to them yet but it wouldn't be long.
Where the butts of the two logs, intersected the ground, the grass was still green. I figured the insects would come out from under the bark, make a quick "U" turn and crawl off the end of the log. Going up was sure death
Sideways, likewise; down was the only option. The ant took a quick foray up, maybe six inches and came back down to the protective covering of the bark. The wide black beetle took his turn and was quickly consumed by the fire. Way to slow
The next trip out for the ant and I had, lost my money. After a minute or so you couldn't even recognize his little body
That left the roach. I figured he would wait as long as he could then throw himself into the hottest part of the fire. Get it over with, quick.
That roach; who I am pulling for now, I'm gripping the arms of my chair, makes four more forays, out onto the two burning logs. The last trip out he runs the length of one log, jumps to the next and drives for the summit. I am up on the edge of my chair now; I know I am about to watch this insect commit suicide. I am holding my breath! the bastid makes a quick turn and throws himself off the burning log. Amazingly, His wings open and start to beat, I know they are about to catch fire, but he keeps them pumping. The updraft from the big fire almost draws him back but the wings keep churning. Suddenly, he is caught on a cross breeze and is lifted through the air to a nearby rose bush. Safe! Fate, you never know, do you?
Things can get a little slow around here and I take my entertainment where I can get it.:
Well the excitements over; I better get back to work.
Fred
Last edited by Fred Rowe : Today at 08:26 PM.
