This afternoon I took a hike around the well established trails on the old Essex Mountain Sanatorium grounds. After awhile, I stopped to take a drink of my soda and noticed a clucking sound coming up behind me. I turned around and was greeted by a large turkey! It was close, like around 10 feet away or so. I started to walk backwards to get away from it and it decided to close in one me. I grabbed a stick about 6 feet long to defend myself if needed. Glad I did, because I think this turkey had me in mind for dinner! I took video with my phone, because I don't think anyone would believe this!