18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
The Fox Barn

I went to explore some spots in southern Manitoba for the first time, and I found this fox barn in this boarder town! The farmer next door came to check out my drone, and we ended up chatting for at least 10 minutes. Before he said goodbye, he suggested I go up and look out the tower. I was confused about how I could get up there, because the first set of stairs were broken and pretty much nonexistent! But he assured me it wasn’t impossible if I was careful. He left me to continue taking photos, and I kept thinking about what the view might look like from up there. I was putting my camera away and getting ready to go to the next stop, but I decided I would kick myself if I didn’t at least try to get up to the top of that tower! So I made sure to have my phone in my pocket in case I needed to call 911 - because I was certain this structure was going to collapse on me! My heart is racing the whole time thinking about what could go wrong - and I also remember that I’m afraid of heights! I get past the nonexistent steps, and see that there is barely a second floor!! I walk on the beams and hold on tight to whatever is around me. I made it to the first ladder and take very cautious steps up. As I climb higher I feel my heart pounding, but I remind myself that I’m a strong woman and I can do anything! I finally reach the top and see many names written on the walls, of all the people who also took the risk! Then I let my drone take off from the top of my car, and began to film myself in the tower. I hope to go back to visit this beautiful gem again, and maybe I’ll get to have another chat with my farmer friend too?

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2020
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Emerson, Manitoba, Canada
Copyright: © Carla Hernandez