Arial Gymnast

There are many interesting things within the mountains shadows.  A walk into the shadows almost always leads to an exciting discovery.  One of the most interesting critters within the shadows is a little spider with a unique ability.  When this character decides he no longer likes his surroundings he does not crawl or walk or run to a new home. He flies.

Once he decides to move he climbs up to a lofty twig or leaf and patiently waits there for a friendly breeze.  Once a breeze he likes comes along he leaps into it while sending out a silken web that acts like a sail and carries him along with the breeze. When he passes over a new bush or tree the web snags a leaf or a twig and he clampers down. He carefully inspects his new place to determine if it might be his new Nirvana.  If not he scampers off seeking a new leaf or twig and waits for another friendly breeze and off he goes again.  These little critters have been known to travel for miles and have sailed to awesome heights.  They have been discovered above thirty thousand feet.

So, if you are walking within the mountain shadows one day and should spot a tiny silken web floating in the air be alert and look for one of its ends and you just might see one of these aerial gymnast sailing merrily along.

Now, regardless of how long you might stand there flapping your arms you are not going to fly.  However, do not envy the little spider for he can’t make popcorn, tap dance, or even whistle either.