William Humnicky: The Cow and I

William Humnicky shares about a recent adventure while biking in the East Bay.

Sometimes, I just need to get away from everyone, including my family. Mountain biking in the East Bay Regional Parks is my nature therapy. One morning, I was biking in Wildcat Park. I saw a lone cow — on the wrong side of the barbed wire fence, headbutting the barbed wire. That cow had escaped – through an unlocked gate – but couldn’t get back in. Her family? Watching in horror from the other side. Mooing.

I thought, I have to help that cow. Then reality set in. I weigh 170. A cow? A thousand pounds? Hopeless. Dangerous. Reluctantly, I pedaled away. “Sorry, I can’t help you.” — when I spotted a young couple hiking. “Hi, can you help me move a cow?” They looked at me like I needed help.

I showed them the scene — cow ramming the barbed wire. “Here’s the plan: I get behind the cow and scare her toward the gate. You — hold the gate open. You — stand ready to steer her through.” They didn’t say yes… but they didn’t say no. I felt like a real cowboy. Heehaw! But I knew nothing about cows.

I stood far behind the cow, waving my arms and yelling. Nothing. Afraid, I stepped closer. I said, “I’m a vegetarian too!” It worked!

A thousand pounds of cow started moving. We got close. She was near the gate. The woman held it open. The guy stood ready to guide her in. The cows – shouted moos of support. This was it! The cow paused, then, suddenly, bolted past the gate and toward the guy. He jumped into the bushes like a rodeo clown. The cow ran down the fence line… And disappeared.

I reported the cow to the rangers. They sent in a real cowboy. The rodeo clown? Frightened. But OK. I realized, the cow and I, we’re the same. We need alone time – in nature – it’s our therapy. But the real healing – that comes from being with our families. With a Perspective, I’m William Humnicky.

William Humnicky misses impromptu conversations with strangers. He looks forward to hearing your story.