31.
The clearing beneath the goliath tarantula nest is entirely devoid of spiders, the black arachnids having climbed back up into their silk beds for the duration of the day, just like I predicted they would.
“Let’s get the packs back out to the trail where we’ll shake them down,” I say. “Make sure no surprises await us on the inside.”
I grab hold of both my and Leslie’s pack, which I carry out through the bush to the path. When I get there, I open both packs and give them a violent shake. Nothing crawls out. Reaching inside, I move the clothes and food packs around. No spiders. Is it foolish for me to be sticking my hand into a pack knowing a spider bite could very well await me? Maybe. But what most people don’t realize is the bite from a tarantula, even a goliath dinner plate–sized
