tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283541262024-03-13T02:07:37.804-06:00Elk Lake News - Life at a Montana Mountain LodgeElk Lake News is an online newsletter for friends of our Rocky Mountain Resort. Whether they come to relax in the Montana mountains, to enjoy a family vacation package in the Centennial Valley, or to pursue their own 'trails' in our wide open spaces...our guests always leave with a new ‘home' in the mountains. We welcome new friends, too. Check out our web page with the link below...or drop us a note on our blog. We'd love to hear from you!Laurel and Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16976960593502693390noreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-67657053900222562042015-03-24T13:32:00.000-06:002015-03-24T13:32:27.807-06:00Woods Queerness
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">March 24, 2015…32* and lightly snowing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While the month has not yet ended, I’m going to go ahead and
say March is going out like a lion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
has been snowing pretty steadily since yesterday around noon and believe it or
not, it’s the heaviest snowfall we’ve received since Christmas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire yard was bare just two days ago and
now it’s covered by 3-4” of fresh, fluffy snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both Jake and I love the snow…but we were also pretty jazzed about Spring
arriving early.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And indeed Spring did arrive early!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my past post I was waiting to see if Jake
would be able to get our truck back in from its winter home out at Henry’s Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he did!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But his trip out on our little two-wheel-drive quad was not without
drama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything was fine and dandy on
the Montana side of the Continental Divide, but the snow and ice was thicker on
the Idaho side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one precipitous
point, Jake said the quad was sliding sideways down the road and all he could
do was hold on and go for the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By
his account the sideways ride lasted only about 30’ but it felt like a mile and
a half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least he was facing the bank.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a happy moment when I heard the throaty rumble of our
truck headed toward the Lodge so I jumped out to snap some pictures of the
homecoming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may sound silly to those
of you who don’t live this lifestyle, but it really is like a family member
coming home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while neither Jake nor
I mind being isolated from the rest of the world during winter, it’s nice to
know we CAN easily go to town any time we want.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My first adventure “out” was to accompany Jake to pick up
our little trailer out on Red Rock Road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kanela was not about to be left behind and I’m not sure who had more fun
being “on the road again.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had to take some pictures of Centennial Valley, of
course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time Jake returned from
snowmobiling out for groceries, he would wax poetic about the beauty of the
Valley and he was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mountains
far off in the distance were so pristinely beautiful with their marshmallow
topping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And closer in a couple of moose
posed nicely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But some parts of the road where downright ugly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We finally got to our sad little trailer abandoned by the
side of the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked like a
really bad piece of sculpture and I can only imagine the head shaking and
scratching that went on when others passed by it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We loaded the mangled mess into the back of
the truck and brought it home for some much needed attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The skis are toast but we don’t have to worry
about that until next winter since the trailer is now wearing its summer tires.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our next outing was to Bozeman to get a jump start on bringing
in summertime supplies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not much of a
story there except for this…a thing called “woods queerness”…”brought on by
solitude and a growing awareness of the emptiness all around.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The term comes from a wonderful book published
in 1942 entitled, <u>We Took To The Woods</u> by Louise Dickinson Rich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a true story about a couple who lived
deep in the woods in Maine for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At one point Louise realized she hadn’t been Outside for four years and
she wondered if she was going “woods queer.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It manifests itself in little ways, like when you finally re-enter
civilization you see hidden meanings in what people say or the way they look at
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can make you question and
scrutinize your every thought and act.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going
to Bozeman for me was perhaps not this dramatic, but I did find myself being
hyper-aware of how I was acting in the shops and trying not to overwhelm
ordinary people with my propensity to be really friendly and talk too much. (I
know from living in the big city of Boston for years that being too friendly is
perceived as “odd.”)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think I did a pretty good job of holding it together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or did I…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Laurel and Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16976960593502693390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-48926076515561739542015-03-10T13:26:00.000-06:002015-03-10T13:26:57.224-06:00Yet another grocery-getting adventure.<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>March 10, 2015…45* and not a cloud in the sky!<o:p></o:p><br />
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</span><br />
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Picking up where I left off on my last post…there is no “perfect
world.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake did make it out to the
truck on our little 2-wheel-drive ATV but the Pass remained “impassable” to street
vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was able, however, to get
to town for a few heads of lettuce and bags of tomatoes which he carried in a
cooler strapped to the back of the ATV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The ATV is so small that with a cooler on back, Jake has to scrunch all
the way forward on the machine…he ends up looking a bit like an adult trying to
ride a tricycle.</div>
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So, with the knowledge in hand that we wouldn’t be able to
put in “a big Sysco order” (as we had fantasized), we decided to put in a “bare
minimum Sysco order” to see us through at least a few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can carry two large coolers on our trailer
so we ordered two boxes each of the three most vital components to our lunches:
hamburgers, buns, and fries.</div>
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Since Jake had to cover several miles of dirt pulling our
trailer with skis attached, he decided to screw metal flashing on the bottoms
to protect the plastic from the sharp rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(He couldn’t replace the skis with wheels because he knew there was too
much snow on the Pass to get through.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, that flashing lasted about 2 miles before the screw heads sheared
off and the metal went a-flappin’ down the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few miles later, one of the skis decided it
had had ENOUGH and twisted itself sideways and then backwards rendering the
trailer unusable for a good long time.</div>
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Knowing that he had no option but to move forward, Jake
unhooked the trailer and dragged it to the ditch, to be recovered when we (by
that I mean “he”) could get back out to it to replace the skis with
wheels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, the Sysco order was
already in West Yellowstone awaiting Jake’s arrival, so he hightailed it to the
truck and sped on his way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure he
was doing some pretty deep head scratching during that ride trying to figure
out how he was going to the our load of groceries back to the Lodge!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, as it turns out, he was so preoccupied
with those thoughts that he forgot the month’s bank deposit in his backpack
which was sitting out in the wide open on the back of the ATV back at Henry’s
Lake.</div>
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You can just imagine the panic that set in.</div>
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Jake hightailed it back to Henry’s Lake, tummy rumbling
because he didn’t even stop to pick up a bite to eat, all the while cursing his
luck, the weather, the trailer, and anything else that popped into his mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty sure I even made the list a time
or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But no harm, no foul…the
backpack and deposit were right where he left them.</div>
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After more head scratching, Jake did manage to load all the food
onto our modest little quad and then sloshed his way home through the mud and
the muck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He arrived filthy and
exhausted but triumphant in his success at getting provisions back to the Lodge
to keep our doors open for our guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wish I had pictures of this adventure to help tell the story, but then again it’s
probably best I was nowhere around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes a guy just needs to have a little space.</div>
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Freezers restocked and frig full, we have been whiling away
the days enjoying a slow trickle of guests who still find their way here
despite the lack of snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our youngest
winter guest arrived on her own machine…all of eleven years old and already
brave enough to handle herself not only on the rough mountain trails, but also
across the lengthy expanse of frozen lake she had to cross to get to the Lodge.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I hadn’t been out on iced-over Elk Lake all winter,
partially because the idea gives me the heebee-geebees, but also because I
haven’t had the chance to spend a lot of time on a snowmobile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took at lesson from that little 11-year-old
girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my big girl pants on and
bravely ventured out onto the ice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was exhilarating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Snowmobiling in and of itself is fun and can be breathtaking, but being
out on slick ice is another thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
back end of the machine likes to sashay around so there is a need for
correcting much like you would if a vehicle started slipping on the ice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course speed impacts one’s ability to do
this successfully, so I was consistently yards behind Jake who went flying up
ahead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG7jcpujjzFcJ_0YbeibnIuHHphUr7XW6zKlFzQYCc0zSfXosEdpuo5l_urDZigdJxy8pPB7vvFFcfKAZc3XdYlX-2SNx469FKgZt1g8ic8tTtrkYtZiU2fuJ9vVlhUNod3VSXQ/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG7jcpujjzFcJ_0YbeibnIuHHphUr7XW6zKlFzQYCc0zSfXosEdpuo5l_urDZigdJxy8pPB7vvFFcfKAZc3XdYlX-2SNx469FKgZt1g8ic8tTtrkYtZiU2fuJ9vVlhUNod3VSXQ/s1600/012.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In this case he was coming AT me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It’s a good thing I took advantage of the ice when I did
because ever since that short ride, the temperatures during the day have gotten
up to the mid-40s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think the ice
is going to disappear any time soon, but it’s prudent to error on the side of
caution when you live in the middle of nowhere. By the way, we spent the rest of the evening gazing at the beautiful sky!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp52maSDDeVE5BC2a8LK0DuPaGz3be0TGS-C81oPz7UsigWWR95lRIRJye-d2oX-E5hOgKWLm78j96uUoulo58HZdg_bvkc3PS7Kzy255mHJjy53igoEymlvxVsw7uTJLWsaB68Q/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp52maSDDeVE5BC2a8LK0DuPaGz3be0TGS-C81oPz7UsigWWR95lRIRJye-d2oX-E5hOgKWLm78j96uUoulo58HZdg_bvkc3PS7Kzy255mHJjy53igoEymlvxVsw7uTJLWsaB68Q/s1600/019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-QvSVgK6yRg29X1mAicfj73fCahCETg9JRwl8OsPK3482czpWlaLb_kWFqcSDXiTxEyrwX6fz3YyjJIJMV0quBdZrT1D5z9PpKmCWSTCSOcwYPyoj6Hwkneqj9rKqtiQXJNUlw/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-QvSVgK6yRg29X1mAicfj73fCahCETg9JRwl8OsPK3482czpWlaLb_kWFqcSDXiTxEyrwX6fz3YyjJIJMV0quBdZrT1D5z9PpKmCWSTCSOcwYPyoj6Hwkneqj9rKqtiQXJNUlw/s1600/020.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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And with these warm temperatures comes the information that
Red Rocks Road has been plowed open from the Henry’s Lake side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake rode the ATV out to the truck today and called
back to report that while the Pass is very iced over, he intends to bring the
truck back home today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll let you know
how THAT turns out in the next post.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM37FDV22q2nwjReX0xm_FYoFau8zjTsZKQe0LUOZgJ98b-zQnwaqLAkKBU4c7PIQNoEJ0fql2SgITkdONL0osLBs2qLTe7GgBaxTTS3aytXpGPb3owIrgKYANVvsW1Nwf39KtQ/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM37FDV22q2nwjReX0xm_FYoFau8zjTsZKQe0LUOZgJ98b-zQnwaqLAkKBU4c7PIQNoEJ0fql2SgITkdONL0osLBs2qLTe7GgBaxTTS3aytXpGPb3owIrgKYANVvsW1Nwf39KtQ/s1600/023.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to put Frosty away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</span></o:p> </span>Laurel and Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16976960593502693390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-3239003604359950052015-02-21T11:26:00.000-07:002015-02-21T11:26:05.173-07:00Winter life continues to be interesting at Elk Lake.
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">February 21, 2015…17*, overcast, and lightly snowing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Okay, so when I say “snowing”, it’s really like very fine powdered
sugar lazily zig-zagging its way to Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s far from impressive and feels like such a tease when we were “promised”
around a 4” accumulation by the local weather forecaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t it supposed to snow in the mountains??!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This winter the topic which concerns our life is “weather.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every morning and every evening Jake and I
sit glued to the Weather Channel or local broadcast eagerly awaiting good news
about impending snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s beginning to
feel like we’re in a dysfunctional relationship with these people…blindly
faithful to their reassuring words, only to be disappointed again and again by
their empty promises.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our last good snow
was around Christmas and a few weeks of above 40* temps took a huge bite out of
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The road to get to Elk Lake is
bare in many places and therefore inaccessible to snowmobiles, but the
Continental Divide is still inaccessible to vehicles so here we sit…marooned.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprPxdV514taVX_48vJsH4970CcGPiNUxqw_FRpX38pN4_nKPb3Mon9E9vSezBaUt6J0H9cQTYG9w75rZmadEUJFY8QgGjYZoett6IZ-xh9z8cos5HrQtJeScTTVNoYurdVYfc0Q/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprPxdV514taVX_48vJsH4970CcGPiNUxqw_FRpX38pN4_nKPb3Mon9E9vSezBaUt6J0H9cQTYG9w75rZmadEUJFY8QgGjYZoett6IZ-xh9z8cos5HrQtJeScTTVNoYurdVYfc0Q/s1600/002.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1Td9CiF076EQ_S2cRk5WPXTiAwd2uxlbYAIZUXXETbutEHu0xQehlCSQrtsQBwDs69AmK9uMv35kz-aep7ymk1n0PNKF1D8uZ_tdiAMKjzzuWJMzGo9BbXP9m7q4fzmO-RkqPQ/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1Td9CiF076EQ_S2cRk5WPXTiAwd2uxlbYAIZUXXETbutEHu0xQehlCSQrtsQBwDs69AmK9uMv35kz-aep7ymk1n0PNKF1D8uZ_tdiAMKjzzuWJMzGo9BbXP9m7q4fzmO-RkqPQ/s1600/015.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5FetihfpmIp22MVAKARKHW7pJiNs99WUyPpj0wtoCG4d7AlgrOZjtpDWE0NRvXZKXHRjOxK-WU-XtkG-m4XjMqH6LeJOMyZYb_zJgH2wDkz60y8nE-9g65vnkxcD6nChKRwyGA/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5FetihfpmIp22MVAKARKHW7pJiNs99WUyPpj0wtoCG4d7AlgrOZjtpDWE0NRvXZKXHRjOxK-WU-XtkG-m4XjMqH6LeJOMyZYb_zJgH2wDkz60y8nE-9g65vnkxcD6nChKRwyGA/s1600/014.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parsley is trying to grow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am sitting here eating chocolate while I type to console
myself.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOYOo1-nGfSraoFljxDVytDeNE1vUp9Oy7YfnPK4ji_SMP8Ksxp3xo2PZLXcM1KLjVUF_LmoAX3UkUsIU-VX2VvuXGdagHx3aCSpAf2NHOcwJPhRFOYE3uIVyo8-4QwrPbtaxSQ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOYOo1-nGfSraoFljxDVytDeNE1vUp9Oy7YfnPK4ji_SMP8Ksxp3xo2PZLXcM1KLjVUF_LmoAX3UkUsIU-VX2VvuXGdagHx3aCSpAf2NHOcwJPhRFOYE3uIVyo8-4QwrPbtaxSQ/s1600/001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In an effort to keep that high-pitched mosquito whininess
out of my writing, let me just say…it’s the weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone complains about it, no one does
anything about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Really, we have been quite lucky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Divide Trail miraculously is snow-covered
and the lake remains frozen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means people
who desperately want to play SOMEWHERE can come our direction and hit a wide
expanse of good snow “up top.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s
plenty of room to get up speed and shoot rooster tails on the turns; just don’t
get off the machine or you will sink up to your knees (according to pictures we’ve
seen and stories we’ve been told.) Given Yellowstone National Park just closed
its West Entrance to snowmobiles because of lack of snow, we offer as good an
option as anywhere else local to come and go wild on a machine.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7FjCUcd6L-kZDWkcHvvF4rY8coZCWM9jd0n5FGLeSTnZvXeUKvRUltaf2D_mGOJ1r4f64SjWcs1QyYtjog_uZ17IgMBd9Cc3c03jtDqnWcAgu2e9EQUZgDg4rVN9yBWDXQOCNw/s1600/10176029_330825850452869_4032601076919850975_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7FjCUcd6L-kZDWkcHvvF4rY8coZCWM9jd0n5FGLeSTnZvXeUKvRUltaf2D_mGOJ1r4f64SjWcs1QyYtjog_uZ17IgMBd9Cc3c03jtDqnWcAgu2e9EQUZgDg4rVN9yBWDXQOCNw/s1600/10176029_330825850452869_4032601076919850975_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture courtesy of our Italian guests.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our new dilemma…(there is always something)…is how to keep
feeding our guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’d think if
people can get in to Elk Lake, we could get out to the truck, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In theory, yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In practice, no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, Jake can snowmobile out the same way
people are coming in, but remember…he’d be pulling a trailer which on the
reverse trip would be laden with heavy food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s remarkable how heavy a box of fries is!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our machine and trailer, combined with the quality
of snow on top, is a certain recipe for getting stuck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you’ve already learned how much fun that
is from Jake’s trip to town the day after Christmas.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qqJ24zvJ_2PXxg4ucNM6THu9V6TyN3m2BsAbIFr8dJs-0ZCBO3rWl0-lv2h0QSl7WoEtvyjVOgdZBH-ZH4sYYuJVBqKVtRUsfC7JOtfxUr_8VYIMUZsPds7ott-MOSqG44TKGg/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qqJ24zvJ_2PXxg4ucNM6THu9V6TyN3m2BsAbIFr8dJs-0ZCBO3rWl0-lv2h0QSl7WoEtvyjVOgdZBH-ZH4sYYuJVBqKVtRUsfC7JOtfxUr_8VYIMUZsPds7ott-MOSqG44TKGg/s1600/003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how high-centered the machine is from the melt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is why we watch the Weather Channel with such
eagerness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last time Jake picked up a Sysco order (hamburgers, fries,
buns) was before the Superbowl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last
time he went to town, remember, he had very little room on the trailer because
he was hauling in a new grill, and that trip was the last time there was enough
snow on the road and in the ditches to get back to the truck. As of today, we
have 21 burger patties, 15 or so chicken breasts, about as many buns, and 4
bags of fries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One big group and we will
be wiped out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact we have survived
this long without bringing in more food shows that we were well stocked, but now
we are facing the hard truth that we are about to run out.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjPMAPfoyz2-dJs0a-AY8UxPbDgzFcFzr1rSZIyNffBC2cjtVAn1cpuhboKxuPIr3glxd_92pm3E4CdvrVmhjaNYksGsyCElzBppJC505iRzBP9xen6JL_X8BAjwsQ1e74y9YDQ/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjPMAPfoyz2-dJs0a-AY8UxPbDgzFcFzr1rSZIyNffBC2cjtVAn1cpuhboKxuPIr3glxd_92pm3E4CdvrVmhjaNYksGsyCElzBppJC505iRzBP9xen6JL_X8BAjwsQ1e74y9YDQ/s1600/004.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad looking freezer.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is for this reason Jake is currently down in the barn
working to get our ATV started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
two ATVs…a 2-wheel drive and a 4-wheel drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Guess which one is here and which one has been at the mechanics since
last fall?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ah, yes…our luck
continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our little 2-wheel drive may
have to be the beast of burden, at least to do some recon and see exactly what we’re
up against when it comes to the road conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a perfect world, Jake would be able to get
to the truck, drive it back in to Elk Lake, we’d make a huge Sysco order, he’d
pick it up on Tuesday with the truck, bring the load back to the Lodge, take
the truck back out to Henry’s Lake, ride the ATV back in, and let it snow on
Wednesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get exhausted just even
writing it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lesson learned: stock up even more when the going is easy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other thing is this: we really do have plenty of
food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just not the food represented
by the lunch menu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can always figure
out “something” to feed people if they are willing to go with the flow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I envision myself as the matron of an
old-time roadhouse…slinging plates of beans and hunks of homemade bread onto
oilcloth covered tables, tankards of ale and bottles of cheap whiskey awaiting
at the bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oops, maybe cabin fever got
to me there for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, I
would make a nice gooey grilled cheese sandwich on crusty homemade bread,
accompanied by aromatic tomato soup with a dollop of sour cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that’s a comfort classic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Update: the ATV is running and Jake says it handles quite
well in the snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far so good.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jT_t7CVa0YcdB6nMl_AWFueAs6FiU9_AmfHE9sBta3LRi9OjWBpSG-RjRGwh3Z4aDqsbIL5hyphenhypheneVQkaZQLtJNwgG8wekWePw9pzJ60r8vEIawMH63J4pCsNuNilTtztCrBGOKYw/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jT_t7CVa0YcdB6nMl_AWFueAs6FiU9_AmfHE9sBta3LRi9OjWBpSG-RjRGwh3Z4aDqsbIL5hyphenhypheneVQkaZQLtJNwgG8wekWePw9pzJ60r8vEIawMH63J4pCsNuNilTtztCrBGOKYw/s1600/002.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On that positive note, I bid adieu and thank you for
reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also want to thank all the
great groups of guests who have stopped by over the past few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had so much fun getting to know you…the
Wisconsin group, the many Minnesota groups, the southern-speaking Georgians, the guys from Italy, the Iowans, the
locals…it has been and IS our pleasure to serve you.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdvXr0Z8sU9twHD3if0LB1v7pG8gEwf6s6CTUEdjgehjkWSqVBxruUX0bHqp9ptcIXN9cgYt6FKUDwUU084e29v-jb2vGrNwYAEnF6Han6VCZj29T5_Yrp6qluQJDtR_ktbrIpA/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdvXr0Z8sU9twHD3if0LB1v7pG8gEwf6s6CTUEdjgehjkWSqVBxruUX0bHqp9ptcIXN9cgYt6FKUDwUU084e29v-jb2vGrNwYAEnF6Han6VCZj29T5_Yrp6qluQJDtR_ktbrIpA/s1600/022.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Laurel and Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16976960593502693390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-47024191961213737322015-02-06T15:50:00.001-07:002015-02-06T15:50:12.650-07:00The story of the grill.
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">February 5, 2015…41* and overcast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We just got done with the sprint of lunches and Jake is
outside burning the mountain of garbage that somehow accumulates in a very
short time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We try to recycle and
compost as much as possible, but during the winter the Waste Management place
is not open on Tuesdays, the day Jake goes to West to meet the Sysco
truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To avoid huge piles of garbage
stacked around the place (and wouldn’t the winter critters love that!), we
crush cans, put bags of “trash” in the two bear boxes we have outside, and burn
everything else…including compost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey,
if you build a big enough fire, it’ll even melt glass…right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week seems to be about wildlife, as much as anything
else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been regularly seeing
moose on the hillside and down in the aspens; those who follow my
paparazzi-esque picture posting on Facebook have seen these pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake and I have been intrigued by how white
their hind legs get.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then yesterday while cleaning up the dining room, I glanced
down at the lake and saw two brown spots way out on the ice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two brown spots where there have never been
brown spots before on pristine whiteness sticks out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I dropped the broom, grabbed the binoculars,
and saw two fox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, to tell the truth
I didn’t stop to figure out what kinds of canines I was seeing before I dashed
up the stairs to let Jake see. (“Dashed” may be a stretch, but go with it.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly handed the binoculars to Jake,
exclaiming “look at what’s on the lake!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Hey, a couple of fox…good spot, baby!” was my reward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake and I play this game all the time…who
can spot an animal first…and he usually wins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not today, buddy…not today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On days when I get overwhelmed by the decision Jake and I
made to purchase Elk Lake Resort, I remind myself how blessed we really are to
be HERE having the experiences so few have the opportunity to enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did my time tethered to a phone in an
office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake did his time working in the
elements building other people’s dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now we are on this adventure and the moose and fox are part of our
reward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess it’s all about balance
and taking one day at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Perhaps the last paragraph is leaving you scratching your
heads…what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overwhelmed by Elk
Lake?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s such a dream come
true!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, let me give you another
example of a day in our life at Elk Lake.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Winter is the season that the Resort really turns into a
lunch destination for the snowmobile crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That means lots of burgers, chicken, and bacon cooked over the grill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the grill goes down, the lunch crowd
doesn’t get fed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can guess,
that’s what happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know how
old the grill was, but I do know it had seen a lot of use even just over the
two summers Jake and I worked here and certainly since we took over this past
June.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was bound to happen at some
point, but why…oh why…now??<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First things first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jake got on the phone and called up to Bozeman to see if anyone even
still had grills in stock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily Home
Depot still had a few and the rep was able to walk Jake through which models he
had which might suit our needs. They had one, a KitchenAid 4-burner, larger
than the one that died on us (important) and quality enough that it would last
more than a few seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This past Tuesday saw Jake up early to make the trek to
Bozeman, first 17 miles of snowmobiling to the truck, then another two hours to
Bozeman.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7a0KyrMo3B9QsTpNkXsPbnki6i99XFNZb77Z0SYiR1IFb5IlZ5GLOUYrA18Z-e0a-RtqpqvzxRFroPTP57CoJNrWU3C2rXInvw20zj9CFq-QZzH4dz3W34LmQjWDtsq9RRUtcjA/s1600/245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7a0KyrMo3B9QsTpNkXsPbnki6i99XFNZb77Z0SYiR1IFb5IlZ5GLOUYrA18Z-e0a-RtqpqvzxRFroPTP57CoJNrWU3C2rXInvw20zj9CFq-QZzH4dz3W34LmQjWDtsq9RRUtcjA/s1600/245.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of Jake's "fun" commute.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then the same in reverse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
a long trip, made even longer when you have to do it alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He arrived home mid-afternoon, towing a big
100 lb. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>box of grill and one large
cooler full of provisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
unpacking and storing the food, we rolled up our sleeves and started
assembling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was supposed to take 20
minutes took us four hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that’s
not even the head-shaking part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They had loaded the wrong grill.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, you read correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we unpacked miles of cardboard, plastic, and parts, we quickly
discovered that the main front of our four-burner grill had only three
knobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our eyes wide (especially Jake’s), we went
back to the big box and looked at the picture on the front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough, three knobs…and the words,
“Three Burner Grill.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aaarrrggghhh! In
essence, we just paid $500 for a grill we didn’t want, had to use, and couldn’t
take back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(But it sure is pretty.)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day Jake called Home Depot and expressed his frustration
and disappointment in the whole situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>TO THEIR CREDIT, out-of-the-gate Home Depot offered to 1.) take back the
used grill in the spring when we can easily make the trip and swap it out for
the bigger 4-burner model for no additional cost, or 2.) sell us the 4-burner
for the price of the three-burner even if we decide to keep the smaller
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our faith in all things good
restored, we are making it work with the smaller grill and will probably just
buy the larger grill in the spring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I just read in a book a Yiddish phase I will carry with me
forever.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Laurel and Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16976960593502693390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-11496345272389863222015-01-20T12:43:00.001-07:002015-01-20T12:43:28.049-07:00The winter routine.
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">January 20, 2015…22* and overcast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jake is gone for the day making a grocery run into West
Yellowstone so the dog and I have the place to ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It always feels strange and lonely when he
goes out and I wonder when I will ever not worry about him making it back
safely to Elk Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily we haven’t
had any major snowstorms and the wind has been almost non-existent so his ride
should be without any troubles…knock on wood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The past few weeks have settled into a routine of sorts, as
work has a tendency to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first task
of the day (after a requisite cup of coffee!) is to sweep and mop the dining
room floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much snow gets tracked in
that it’s impossible to clean it after the lunch groups leaves so I just mop up
the big puddles and let it go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I
certainly don’t blame people for keeping their boots on because if they didn’t,
they would be walking around in wet socks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then it’s on to prep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a very different thing to do prep during the winter months than it
is in the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the summer we have
a pretty good idea of how many people we’ll be cooking for so you know how much
salad to tear up, how many tomatoes to slice, how much broccoli to cut up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not so in the winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day we could have two guests, the next
twenty-one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I have learned to prep on
the fly during lunch service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well because the vegetables last longer when
they aren’t processed and we need everything to last as long as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A tomato is precious commodity when you have to
take it on a rough snowmobile ride and have it arrive unbruised. So we’re
figuring it out and Jake and I have a pretty good rhythm of working with each
other.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the "to do" list. Paint and organize the pantry!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since veggies are not a priority to get done right away, I
focus on what I consider the “fun” things…breads, pies, homemade soup,
spaghetti sauce, pulled pork…anything that lets me be creative and makes the
Lodge smell good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake and I are trying
out offering “Specials” this winter and so far they have been well received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently we’re offering a bacon jam and bleu
cheese burger…some people look at me like I have two heads when I tell them
about it and others (the obvious foodies) just nod and usually order it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake is in the first group.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will admit to a mishap on my end, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pulled a beautiful peach pie out of the
oven, set it on the flat top of Bertha (the old iron stove), and the next thing
I heard was the glass pie plate splintering into a thousand shards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lesson learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t put a hot pie plate on cold iron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily I had more pie crust dough and more
peaches so I just rolled up my sleeves and got at it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When guests arrive, it’s go-go-go grilling burgers, dropping
fries, trying not to burn the buns, and before you know it we’re wiping down
the tables and flopping onto the couches in the living room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually we try to grab a bite to eat and I
would say 90% of the time we just get settled in and we hear the whine of
snowmobiles pulling up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That part of our
schedule needs a little work!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But it’s not all about work during the winter season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still have ample time to enjoy Nature’s artwork
and ooh and aah at the moose that seem to love our willows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still cannot believe that I live in a place
where moose are our next door neighbors; a group showed up yesterday and said
they saw 20…yes 20!...on their ride in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s a little of what
we see:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In closing, I give a nod to Green Bay fans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your team played a heck of a good game last
Sunday and I’m still incredulous the Seahawks won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we look forward to the Superbowl and
taking on the Pats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m serving soup if
anyone wants to join us while we watch the game.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">PS. Lerrina is still writing a blog so please keep in touch with the Collins' at: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">the-sustainable-lifestyle.blogspot.com</span></span></div>
Laurel and Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16976960593502693390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-31748137331846109672015-01-05T15:04:00.000-07:002015-01-05T15:04:32.234-07:00Happy New Year...Elk Lake Resort is open!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">January 5, 2015…35* and overcast</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The weather feels balmy today after the sub-zero
temperatures we’ve been enduring for the past month or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s strange to step outside and hear the
drip, drip, drip of snow melting off the roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re used to sticking our noses out the door and feeling them “crackle”
from the immediate cold slap in the face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Enjoy it while we can, indeed, for there is a lot of winter ahead of us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s do a little recap of the past few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake and I enjoyed a very low key and mellow Christmas here at the Lodge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We slept
late, watched too much TV, ate greasy food that typically you’d find in a gas
station, and talked on the phone with loved ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nary a gift under the tree, but
Jake and I shared what we feel are our blessings with each other and even
though they didn’t come with bows, they were the best gifts ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Health, happiness, togetherness, many good
friends, loving family, survival of our first summer as business owners, a good
dog, plenty of propane to keep warm, and an exciting future ahead of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we never take any of it for granted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Friday after Christmas saw Jake on our snowmobile
heading to town for the first time since we parked the truck out at Henry’s
Lake right before Thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course there was trepidation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> W</span>hat will
the drifts be like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you get over the
Pass? Will the truck start?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, Jake
made it to the truck just fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said
he had to “bury the machine” (which I think is guy speak for really giving it the
gas) while going up the Continental Divide but the rest of the ride was
easy-peasy, if a little cold.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2fHD3q-3-dZWPtQspfM6F4JCgmJQgXiANVxBM-gxQnB1YOPPQv5uFMi-_gEL3q5nzNOxTb8sOaHlhDCRPW3Rg2NPe7owlknGTKMl44-8NFrnPIdeL3v1iPuCdeWxadrdKP2h0Q/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2fHD3q-3-dZWPtQspfM6F4JCgmJQgXiANVxBM-gxQnB1YOPPQv5uFMi-_gEL3q5nzNOxTb8sOaHlhDCRPW3Rg2NPe7owlknGTKMl44-8NFrnPIdeL3v1iPuCdeWxadrdKP2h0Q/s1600/005.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken earlier in December.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was the return trip that turned into a bit of a
nightmare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is an area through what
we call “The Flats” known as Hell Roaring Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was there Jake got sucked down into the 3’
of snow in the ditch, perhaps because some other snowmobilers had been playing
and messed up the snow, or because Jake was going too fast, or a combination of
both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter what the reason, He.
Got. Stuck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a quick call to me to
let me know his predicament, he got busy with the shovel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shoveled for a long sweaty hour before he
was able to get our beast of a machine back on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By his admission, it’s a good thing there
wasn’t a daycare center or playground nearby because the words flying out of
his mouth were just about hot enough to melt the snow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I sighed a huge sigh of relief when I heard the snowmobile
approaching in the distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I peered
out the window and to my amazement spied a young bull moose loping along inside
the jack fence that surrounds the Resort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was none too happy there was a noisy machine pushing him along, and
when he got boxed into the corner of the fencing, he simply sprung up and
over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was amazed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea an animal that huge could jump
so high!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever the one to make lemonade
out of lemons, Jake commented later that had he not gotten stuck, we would
never have had that moose experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was moose number two for me here at Elk Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first was a big ‘ole bull just hanging
out in the trees next to the Ranch House.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was in the next day or two that the phone started ringing
off the hook with people wondering when we were going to reopen for lunch. Jake
and I had been scratching our heads about that very question since we knew the
Collins’ used to open about a week into January, but we had been given feedback
from some locals that we should open earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The clamoring public made the decision for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We firmly decided New Year’s Day would be the
perfect day to reopen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes sense,
then, that we served 18 lunches on December 31<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flexibility is the name of the game and we
were happy to have the business and company.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJLkvRGh_IHCOY5nAMBcNQgvxK0ZRmnY7KlaW4hyfwnwKxQml38fobqIXnX8KiDT9lVAQHNpZJg5HFpyjprEeml3nPI5oPbqZUjBT0tmroJ7zIBTOcHlVKOrIN2lM75Us2eowXg/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJLkvRGh_IHCOY5nAMBcNQgvxK0ZRmnY7KlaW4hyfwnwKxQml38fobqIXnX8KiDT9lVAQHNpZJg5HFpyjprEeml3nPI5oPbqZUjBT0tmroJ7zIBTOcHlVKOrIN2lM75Us2eowXg/s1600/006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was so bright outside!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After three days of snowmobilers coming out for a burger and
a beer, Jake and I made the startling discovery that we had not stocked up with
enough supplies!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bottle of Jack
Daniels disappears amazingly fast when you have a bunch of thirsty
snowmobilers, and I (in my ignorance) hadn’t even considered how much cocoa we
would go through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ah, the learning curve
continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Jake made an impromptu
trip back into West Yellowstone to get us closer to being ready for all our winter guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(For those of you who haven’t
been to Elk Lake, there really is nothing such as an impromptu trip” to town,
even in the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every trip is based
on necessity and is a commitment, especially in the winter when there are 25
miles of snowmobiling on either end of the trip.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fingers crossed, we are now better prepared!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>~ Laurel</o:p></span>Laurel and Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16976960593502693390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-19829561784002721202014-12-19T14:38:00.000-07:002014-12-19T14:38:25.652-07:00A holiday treat from Elk Lake Resort<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">December 19, 2014…overcast with little snowflakes dancing in
the air; 30 degrees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Holidays from Elk Lake!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Things have settled into a dull roar since Jake and I took
over Elk Lake Resort last June so it is high time I write a blog post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s only fitting that my first post as Lady of the Lake is
a holiday recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This recipe come to me
from my mom and evokes memories of snowy Iowan winters when school had been
cancelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom was a teacher so a
snow day was just as special to her as it was to us kids, and it always got
turned into a holiday of sorts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Caramel Corn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
not like Cracker Jacks or any other industrial made candy-coated popcorn…this
is the real deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caramel that is
buttery and crunchy, coating clusters of popcorn and peanuts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just the right balance of sweet and salt and addicting
enough to make your teeth ache in protest from eating too much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t try using fake butter in this recipe…you will be
disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first time I made this
recipe and sent some to my mom in her Christmas box she asked, “What recipe did
you use??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so good!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was amazed that the only difference
between her caramel corn and mine was the swapping out of margarine (see
original recipe) for real butter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hint: make sure your bowl is big enough for all the
popcorn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a bit frustrating to stir
in the caramel and end up with your counter and floor covered with popcorn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And by the way…I <u>always</u> double this
recipe!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mom’s Caramel Corn<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Boil for 5 minutes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 c. brown sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 stick butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ c. light corn syrup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remove the boiling mixture from the heat and mix in (in
order):<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ t. salt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ t. baking soda</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 t. vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(This mixture will get very foamy…that’s because of the
baking soda…and is a necessary chemical reaction to make the caramel topping
just right.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pour 1/3 over 4 quarts of popped corn (and peanuts if you'd like) and gently mix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do this two more times until the caramel is
completely coating the popcorn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try to
be gentle so that you don’t break up the popcorn too much.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bake at 250 degrees for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes to dry the
caramel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sampling during each stirring
is recommended. (!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmYPzpOpHnAOj3xKCJTDQnFrWBdcj_dn5ku90Xa6K7GSnKIIAhQtdsxp2EiIdsbPw9KpyRSIrnwWuorwmH-ihCxmWm03EJjqd2eQsImXQETcutrfNF9YBfyTjc_gEgL4FmOdCsQ/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmYPzpOpHnAOj3xKCJTDQnFrWBdcj_dn5ku90Xa6K7GSnKIIAhQtdsxp2EiIdsbPw9KpyRSIrnwWuorwmH-ihCxmWm03EJjqd2eQsImXQETcutrfNF9YBfyTjc_gEgL4FmOdCsQ/s1600/053.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Caramel corn is not just for the holidays. If you’d
like to try some of this yummy treat when you come out for a visit, let me know and I’ll whip up a
batch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you’ll have to share.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Lady of the Lake (aka Laurel)</em></span></div>
Laurel and Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16976960593502693390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-66850968819735883212014-02-28T13:17:00.000-07:002014-02-28T14:12:34.278-07:00Sharptailed Grouse<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIG6sNRyzhmamyFVgagw8Rd1s__xoj7HWBQ4UvFn7JfCNyoykjK5p62kiyN5mjrFC47zxpkE1O3iRY2tl1xaGrUtYy_Wjv8Wnx8HujWaS8h2052eoN0R2J2XcVP0TflIor8ZZ/s1600/0+-+sharptailed+grouse+in+flight2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIG6sNRyzhmamyFVgagw8Rd1s__xoj7HWBQ4UvFn7JfCNyoykjK5p62kiyN5mjrFC47zxpkE1O3iRY2tl1xaGrUtYy_Wjv8Wnx8HujWaS8h2052eoN0R2J2XcVP0TflIor8ZZ/s320/0+-+sharptailed+grouse+in+flight2.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<P>I commonly run across Ruffed and/or Blue Grouse on my summer hikes around Elk Lake. Occasionally I'll even stumble across one in the winter. While interesting birds, these sub-types seem the epitomy of their species - a bit dumb, a but clumsy, a bit 'obvious'.</P>
<p>Completely unlike their cousins - the Sharptailed Grouse. I only see Sharptailed Grouse in the winter (although according to the habitat maps they summer in our area). Furthermore, these birds are so un-grouse-like in their actions, I would not have assumed them to be in the same family. They appear smart. They are quick and graceful. And, they are extremely flighty! Thus I have not ONE decent photo after 10 years!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmlkMkor09u11Y1h-CC8GkErLkFsqlb8bRk3CunUeaD58j2n-pM5FbR0LFWg2HnqlmT53OOrdPp-Y00MMHh-HmRHQ6Rs1HQrnpkaEwpGiXAhq6nnezFelkxElB-tk1g8eJNbM/s1600/1+-+sharptail+female+in+light+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmlkMkor09u11Y1h-CC8GkErLkFsqlb8bRk3CunUeaD58j2n-pM5FbR0LFWg2HnqlmT53OOrdPp-Y00MMHh-HmRHQ6Rs1HQrnpkaEwpGiXAhq6nnezFelkxElB-tk1g8eJNbM/s320/1+-+sharptail+female+in+light+snow.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Thankfully others have had greater success! Thus, ALL the bird images in this post are courtesy of others. Since my posts are always directed by my photos and experience, you may be wondering, what's my point? Why a post on Sharptailed Grouse if I have no photos of the birds?</p>
<p>I actually have a really good answer for that question: I had a Sharptailed Grouse 'experience'! And, I have a few photos to prove it! No birds - although I saw and heard them (that is something else unique to Sharptailed Grouse - in my experience they have always been more vocal than their dimmer witted cousins).</p>
<p>So, the story goes like this: I was snowshoeing on a bitterly cold afternoon soon after our lastest good snowfall. This, of course, means I was working my butt off (to be honest, 'that' is a real good reason to snowshoe!). I had worked my way through an open meadow and into a stand of heavier timber when, suddenly, from all sides sprang up at least a dozen Sharptailed Grouse.</p>
<p>Now, stumbling across them on a snowshoe trek is not unusual. Seeing a few together is also not unusual. But these birds were not only in heavy timber (which I had never seen before), but I found what they left behind to be incredibly interesting and educational. So. . .that is what this post shares.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiufCtkzYIgx-0-UZRQhtSDrRHupms0jJwOePId_lOea2Pw69O0__4sQhhzzXSfEvpoMZx3kUcXtPcUZpDjtr9eMlzfB2bmsIu4oMxGnq8JQ74xn_cwTxMXBHkdDDtm4_ImjWJ/s1600/3+-+Grouse+Burrows+-+Feb+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiufCtkzYIgx-0-UZRQhtSDrRHupms0jJwOePId_lOea2Pw69O0__4sQhhzzXSfEvpoMZx3kUcXtPcUZpDjtr9eMlzfB2bmsIu4oMxGnq8JQ74xn_cwTxMXBHkdDDtm4_ImjWJ/s320/3+-+Grouse+Burrows+-+Feb+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Once the birds had completed their hasty exit, I started looking for clues as to 'what' they had been doing. They had, as far as I could tell, all flown from ground level. This might be moderately heavy timber, but there was still a LOT of fresly fallen (i.e. deep and powdery) snow. Furthermore, it was COLD (-15 at that moment). My first thought: some special food source nearby. I certainly did NOT expect what I found for my first clue: a hole!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubXnNWrX4jwzD_gC39Ki_5NmgxFJlxGuMj1H9dCDKL6hlVOJ8ZK1yaOYn22fRgWU5J64zKrC4xhOKDAWXRWWTr2ATwOUpSHo_f-aeYkoK0UKZ-HEWFiO5Xj7d44KJfhw_7KvA/s1600/4+-+Burrows+and+Wing+Tracks+-+Feb+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubXnNWrX4jwzD_gC39Ki_5NmgxFJlxGuMj1H9dCDKL6hlVOJ8ZK1yaOYn22fRgWU5J64zKrC4xhOKDAWXRWWTr2ATwOUpSHo_f-aeYkoK0UKZ-HEWFiO5Xj7d44KJfhw_7KvA/s320/4+-+Burrows+and+Wing+Tracks+-+Feb+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHoTOya0FlY8Qc1Qqixichkj5ruraR_GdaCNk7CK0O3OX6rqTaIPD76Bdo_6f3Y1d_kTizGh9F4_KInvvM8X3ueJ5pDnbwVGMqiJn0P8TdhU7ntEksqJoAcdDd9R07QzFoQbg/s1600/5+-+Sharptailed+Grouse+Tracks+-+Feb+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHoTOya0FlY8Qc1Qqixichkj5ruraR_GdaCNk7CK0O3OX6rqTaIPD76Bdo_6f3Y1d_kTizGh9F4_KInvvM8X3ueJ5pDnbwVGMqiJn0P8TdhU7ntEksqJoAcdDd9R07QzFoQbg/s320/5+-+Sharptailed+Grouse+Tracks+-+Feb+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpg0k76HKf5Eck3ym92pN0MRG7HZKiom4zzgBz-FhVg_BCe08lkTSwqCM3J0LEG0qFcy3uZIbJM8SiczRx2PuWfvQEflxrpRYc6DGwQbZqp88G2nJbysYeFoGSNwarD-V23Ogt/s1600/6+-+Grouse+Burrows+-+Tracks+-+Feb+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpg0k76HKf5Eck3ym92pN0MRG7HZKiom4zzgBz-FhVg_BCe08lkTSwqCM3J0LEG0qFcy3uZIbJM8SiczRx2PuWfvQEflxrpRYc6DGwQbZqp88G2nJbysYeFoGSNwarD-V23Ogt/s320/6+-+Grouse+Burrows+-+Tracks+-+Feb+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>The holes were all over - and they weren't really holes, they were tunnels! Yet, foot tracks on top of the snow proved the birds were not 'sinking' into the snow (thus, tunneling until they could reach the top again). Furthermore, not one of the tunnels reached bare ground - so they were not tunneling for food. And, based on the tunnels' width, the birds appeared to have merely 'walked' into them (not extra wide as if they used their wings to push themselves through the snow). And, the final clue - no signs, anywhere, of these tunnels having been created by anything but the birds!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEo-YgVLfJ_qbzZHXnB0A090hhMysdwRTnL84H2oQFKhyU0vKmPfkPpX7szvZ9MkQhsUqtSNT5MPH21o_UcgJUW93khDZkBx7Ss67daTM5pAGP3NEuHMPW1HoowCxJVB_YRDDO/s1600/7+-+Wing+Tracks+and+Burrow+-+Feb+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEo-YgVLfJ_qbzZHXnB0A090hhMysdwRTnL84H2oQFKhyU0vKmPfkPpX7szvZ9MkQhsUqtSNT5MPH21o_UcgJUW93khDZkBx7Ss67daTM5pAGP3NEuHMPW1HoowCxJVB_YRDDO/s320/7+-+Wing+Tracks+and+Burrow+-+Feb+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>In fact, as this last photo shows, it appears the bird took flight 'at the tunnel's mouth' - in other words, it came out of the tunnel and flew. Therefore, it had been IN the tunnel when I came into the vicinity. This would explain why I was able to get so close (being in their tunnels, they couldn't hear me until I was nearby). But, it still did not explain the tunnels created by a bird!</p>
<p>Always curious, I couldn't leave it alone. WHAT on earth were these birds doing? WHY? Why had I never found this kind of thing before (after all, even with the birds, the tunnels would remain for awhile)? So, I did what every average American does today when looking for answers: I Googled it! And. . .I found an answer. But, first, a little about these interesting game birds.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCtsVoJvxTzb1P5r_Tlb5bR2Bg0WK__8RAvvebQJGk1FmRoGPdeBx_diUhgD_SUf-LW1Hh1MSJMIdUnJm59oswi07xmKb3SVTzopjc2RnaEDqWGZFrhhR4oW_eQ8j6EwJae4u/s1600/8+-+sharptailed+grouse+mail+on+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCtsVoJvxTzb1P5r_Tlb5bR2Bg0WK__8RAvvebQJGk1FmRoGPdeBx_diUhgD_SUf-LW1Hh1MSJMIdUnJm59oswi07xmKb3SVTzopjc2RnaEDqWGZFrhhR4oW_eQ8j6EwJae4u/s320/8+-+sharptailed+grouse+mail+on+snow.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Sharptailed Grouse are found in many North American prairies seeming to prefer savannnah type grasslands with scattered shrubs. These birds, like the Sage Grouse, are known for lekking (dancing) displays during mating season. The photo above shows a male distributing some of these dance moves.</p>
<p>Mature birds weigh between 1 3/4 and 2 1/2 pounds. The males have a distinctive yellow 'comb' over their eyes and a violet display patch on their neck (see above). The females are smaller with regular horizontal feather markings and no yellow comb or purple display spot.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iseSnM_f1tyRqJ5eBjCmXyAq4L7Grj5Jbq1NYRjnEMdijngmgFRL1ogJT-CSbzfGh_J0tSydbfSb6hqYn-7yWCLmgnyG5K3johioQMXIqSEMvrPlNDOlwRXZQDgfRahyphenhyphenqXUo/s1600/9+-+sharptailed+grouse+in+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iseSnM_f1tyRqJ5eBjCmXyAq4L7Grj5Jbq1NYRjnEMdijngmgFRL1ogJT-CSbzfGh_J0tSydbfSb6hqYn-7yWCLmgnyG5K3johioQMXIqSEMvrPlNDOlwRXZQDgfRahyphenhyphenqXUo/s320/9+-+sharptailed+grouse+in+snow.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Okay - so now I knew what they looked like (although I'd already seen them several times in flight). Now, however, my suspicions were confirmed. I had seen Sharptailed Grouse. But. . .my questions remained unanswered. </p>
<p>On to the next possible clue: what do they eat? Apparently they are ground feeders in the summer and tree feeders in the winter (seeds, berries, buds, insects, etc). That, too, confirmed what I had seen for, prior to this experience, I had always seen these birds in trees. But, it did not explain their presence 'here', nor the snow tunnels they had created.</p>
<p>It took a couple of tries before I found a website which provided answers. According to Wikipedia, Hamerstrom and Hamerstrom (1951) and Gratson (1988) discovered that "as the snow depth increases, habitat selection shifts from cropland and prairie to shelterbetls and woody vegetation." So now I knew why they were in the trees. Yet the next sentence contained my 'real' answer. "One habitat change seen. . .was grouse would select large snow banks to burrow into, to keep warm during cold nights."</p>
<p>It wasn't night - but it WAS cold. Thus, obviously, these birds had moved into the trees for shelter and burrowed (tunneled) into the deep fluffy snow for warmth. Hmmm! Now I felt really guilty for driving them back out into the cold. Thankfully, that day, there were lots of trees filled with fluffy piles of snow in which they could relocate!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyV_AYDCSKQk2DjySpQwNcGo02WRklbWNaG0xODPXITx0CG8mZUutiQJoUEM8UycdKCF3RJqGhNBdu5M3LS7VlNh1x3Ssrui0li32MqcEHUvkJuMh2KWrMuKoQoAHXa870MN20/s1600/10+-+sharptailed+grouse+in+flight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyV_AYDCSKQk2DjySpQwNcGo02WRklbWNaG0xODPXITx0CG8mZUutiQJoUEM8UycdKCF3RJqGhNBdu5M3LS7VlNh1x3Ssrui0li32MqcEHUvkJuMh2KWrMuKoQoAHXa870MN20/s320/10+-+sharptailed+grouse+in+flight.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>And you thought winter at Elk Lake was boring!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-91072229550320282802014-02-12T11:08:00.000-07:002014-02-12T11:08:38.618-07:00Eagle Lunch<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXm1MB5Mgd7dvqtdh-a8VVHJHubljVlmv4nKDT-dt0fqQWt1jY7nkNlHwcSYGmszf9H3pZsEL1PnR8q98l8ZZQiIjEbK4siXIPyhd8KjDrS_choTogsOya74OGhyxtyAPmvZ5k/s1600/0-Eagle+in+tree+outside+lodge+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXm1MB5Mgd7dvqtdh-a8VVHJHubljVlmv4nKDT-dt0fqQWt1jY7nkNlHwcSYGmszf9H3pZsEL1PnR8q98l8ZZQiIjEbK4siXIPyhd8KjDrS_choTogsOya74OGhyxtyAPmvZ5k/s320/0-Eagle+in+tree+outside+lodge+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<P>Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Fish Hawks (Ospreys), Red Tail Hawks, Northern Harriers, Swainsons Hawks, Great Grey Owls, Great Horned Owls, Burrowing Owls - Just about any raptor found in the Northwest can be found in the Centennial Valley. For this reason, many consider the valley to be the best place to view raptors in the lower 48. Certainly at Elk Lake we enjoy many visits from various beautiful large winged friends.</P>
<p>By late fall, many have moved to better hunting grounds. Not so the eagle pair who nest nearby. While we rarely see their fledglings this late in the season, the parents can be spotted perched atop tall trees or riding the wind current above the lake.</p>
<p>This year, however, the ice came early. An ice drill and a warm constitution are all the extra winter gear needed by human ice fishermen. Lacking these accoutrements, the eagle must leave or find another food source.</p>
<p>This particular pair seemed to have no problem taking the second option. One day they were dining of fish and muskrat, the next they were feeding on their cousins - feathered fowl.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSAitFjTOiNGPwyuxk50mlVmieTMZ0uc1wHIpIPY_gWYLzIAJB7l0vXgSLNBHBsGo2VRzDEBUbLyZv5gC-7tZqHyyudbQoEG86PpqIp6Zij2Gx1gwvw1GwAnl20h0pGHgqGfn/s1600/1+-+Eagle+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSAitFjTOiNGPwyuxk50mlVmieTMZ0uc1wHIpIPY_gWYLzIAJB7l0vXgSLNBHBsGo2VRzDEBUbLyZv5gC-7tZqHyyudbQoEG86PpqIp6Zij2Gx1gwvw1GwAnl20h0pGHgqGfn/s320/1+-+Eagle+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>It just so happened we caught a Bald Eagle and a Western Grebe on the freshly formed lake ice late one morning. At that point the Grebe was still very much alive. The eagle was hovering over it. Based on the distance to the nearest open water and the birds' actions, we assumed the eagle had frightened some ducks into flight (we have seen them do this numerous times by swooping low over a group of waterfowl) then taken this one out in the air. </p>
<p>This is certainly possible because nearly 28% of an eagle's diet can consist of birds (more on that to come) - and 7-8 % of the birds consumed are waterfowl. However, when you consider an adult grebe weighs in at about 30% of a Bald Eagle's weight, that is still amazing (until you realize Bald Eagles have been known to take GEESE)!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbtM0Ad7SWxRuLUCP7edzkjrQ0PNNZ0uPYs8IyhH4sPFFXgqr2bRMe9xGxD_mSxUUcsdbQr3zB0KDnmqSdcCB600icwfr0b0M9mQt9DvvwHaUh638qNH5ih6HN-RnNgEd18p3/s1600/2+-+Eagle+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbtM0Ad7SWxRuLUCP7edzkjrQ0PNNZ0uPYs8IyhH4sPFFXgqr2bRMe9xGxD_mSxUUcsdbQr3zB0KDnmqSdcCB600icwfr0b0M9mQt9DvvwHaUh638qNH5ih6HN-RnNgEd18p3/s320/2+-+Eagle+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Unfortunately I did not have my big lens with me. So, we hurried back to the house, grabbed the lens, and returned to watch the action.</p>
<p>By the time we returned, the deed was done - the grebe was feeling no pain, and the eagle was enjoying his dinner. However, the action had moved a few hundred yards north which made it clear the Mr. Eagle had 'carried' the grebe (in flight) at least this far.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQuu9_4YQQPEm84MHSBq41Ho-zfGP_mKJIzlDdU3-X80LKt2KVXIga5rOQRA_Jkmbptd6Jd_DEK5ngjKAcUSBuFTT1RLyqxAdGrS5K8ZAfS86xT8R-5jEkD54L2A-mwDSnNNI/s1600/3+-+Eagle+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQuu9_4YQQPEm84MHSBq41Ho-zfGP_mKJIzlDdU3-X80LKt2KVXIga5rOQRA_Jkmbptd6Jd_DEK5ngjKAcUSBuFTT1RLyqxAdGrS5K8ZAfS86xT8R-5jEkD54L2A-mwDSnNNI/s320/3+-+Eagle+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKZd_evjgAu2deCvQ2YL9PjBTjQEJICQFmjdhOvmSHvIpUMDYxSwbC3DKo1LDpA7qRlkVNha5WqSNYY3URmjEVDhpYI9J7ZzY0uxZwTafctNuZsndutF65itkT5od1OBO1tks/s1600/4+-+Eagle+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKZd_evjgAu2deCvQ2YL9PjBTjQEJICQFmjdhOvmSHvIpUMDYxSwbC3DKo1LDpA7qRlkVNha5WqSNYY3URmjEVDhpYI9J7ZzY0uxZwTafctNuZsndutF65itkT5od1OBO1tks/s320/4+-+Eagle+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRw3zoVTv9jgMFNJBsQ8wT1FBaYC5pW5k4SQ2w63lyUzHqnkkUf00yDVoqMFGzso_3gEOZP1yaPj-BpC0hQ8Q33d9XPN1BZLcgNsRsoq039nyjEa-bl7T7otiYY6bGNS0LNdiS/s1600/5+-+Eagle+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRw3zoVTv9jgMFNJBsQ8wT1FBaYC5pW5k4SQ2w63lyUzHqnkkUf00yDVoqMFGzso_3gEOZP1yaPj-BpC0hQ8Q33d9XPN1BZLcgNsRsoq039nyjEa-bl7T7otiYY6bGNS0LNdiS/s320/5+-+Eagle+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLBTiiVTZckbZqeDd5HsGhHqyEzWHdO3lr8qagJso3wRW1a3d3JK9C4P7Kg2r3aplPeGQu6EaSUkzJQlq_4TlEmeYGZLU4pPgHSygpWhAgzcTmyuyiUYbWCbN28RoriJYLxk6/s1600/6+-+Eagle+and+Magpie+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLBTiiVTZckbZqeDd5HsGhHqyEzWHdO3lr8qagJso3wRW1a3d3JK9C4P7Kg2r3aplPeGQu6EaSUkzJQlq_4TlEmeYGZLU4pPgHSygpWhAgzcTmyuyiUYbWCbN28RoriJYLxk6/s320/6+-+Eagle+and+Magpie+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Always an opportunist, a bold Magpie, who had obviously been watching the action from a safe distance, invited himself to dinner. The next few shots catch their interaction!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_u0nrjkDgBYee1Q4UJaomcSMQS_whXATVfJGgb3kosy7dXRraZV9oz4__ZMmXkqIza7AqoN1WogOEK4hsGdTy-a1gCr3cEIwiIyomiFdlkol0LfLxiqElMpfdVhyphenhyphen3WrDFspE/s1600/7+-+Eagle+and+Magpie+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_u0nrjkDgBYee1Q4UJaomcSMQS_whXATVfJGgb3kosy7dXRraZV9oz4__ZMmXkqIza7AqoN1WogOEK4hsGdTy-a1gCr3cEIwiIyomiFdlkol0LfLxiqElMpfdVhyphenhyphen3WrDFspE/s320/7+-+Eagle+and+Magpie+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfMagKtVQG4wT5KNaHQCW-o70ts3xc6Nkoh7PNiMry9v-CJnZjrz6xpJqDbP7QRltiOVrnjkqvid8v1rpiPGHA-HX9dp2RL_HZXjfh3didiRTb0aj9JKYH5nDBdWKDVWwhbbW/s1600/8+-+Eagle+and+Magpie+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfMagKtVQG4wT5KNaHQCW-o70ts3xc6Nkoh7PNiMry9v-CJnZjrz6xpJqDbP7QRltiOVrnjkqvid8v1rpiPGHA-HX9dp2RL_HZXjfh3didiRTb0aj9JKYH5nDBdWKDVWwhbbW/s320/8+-+Eagle+and+Magpie+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-je7430a4Mswy9fPxovL1HZBxveUe-bihzGBMdPpXcZxcCJx1e0YdSDMqRHq8L_VqaExMmJ-HyIBV6bsXR50N78aAaFiZOFDoX0Fs2GEPXQDl8AVPxDgdd-PyhvxnGEg6J1M/s1600/9+-+Eagle+and+Magpie+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-je7430a4Mswy9fPxovL1HZBxveUe-bihzGBMdPpXcZxcCJx1e0YdSDMqRHq8L_VqaExMmJ-HyIBV6bsXR50N78aAaFiZOFDoX0Fs2GEPXQDl8AVPxDgdd-PyhvxnGEg6J1M/s320/9+-+Eagle+and+Magpie+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vMIYVsZjMry7QRrzy9rQh3pav5DDL7AS4SAMT7SZExpiatgs9Oid-3CUiUZhLa03hZZSof1oYk7DSGrLXtaMy_2lqsfP0ZTcIHwXZUY7HF6Ea_Ed6CLMGQIl-jjUus01qvxs/s1600/10+-+Eagle+and+Magpie+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vMIYVsZjMry7QRrzy9rQh3pav5DDL7AS4SAMT7SZExpiatgs9Oid-3CUiUZhLa03hZZSof1oYk7DSGrLXtaMy_2lqsfP0ZTcIHwXZUY7HF6Ea_Ed6CLMGQIl-jjUus01qvxs/s320/10+-+Eagle+and+Magpie+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bufFIZuWv4I8-nHZs4WBJr8vLhxREGI7Lk0moRleZ7l6VKeYg4tKXAsmEnm8Zk10cAJrCikZoYgajqVF8MXfZ0gTsje7JmvWbVzPnPxdTKNtfSQRu4BV6D6IdGIhBuf0bNIe/s1600/11+-+Eagle+and+Magpie+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bufFIZuWv4I8-nHZs4WBJr8vLhxREGI7Lk0moRleZ7l6VKeYg4tKXAsmEnm8Zk10cAJrCikZoYgajqVF8MXfZ0gTsje7JmvWbVzPnPxdTKNtfSQRu4BV6D6IdGIhBuf0bNIe/s320/11+-+Eagle+and+Magpie+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Mod9Z1Bx1LZ-KVPLJ-vVz6GemjjZ7N_Qa1BvHTGDBlt9EJVW6LZL_s39V7QwpW4-IzHjTlN-sQLcKgKqhFZsBYDAOkmv8jcolJ4k1HiY5Jqlx-n6knwcbTnYrNSbF8KGyeGm/s1600/12a+-+Bald+Eagle+on+Western+Grebe+Kill+-+Elk+Lake+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Mod9Z1Bx1LZ-KVPLJ-vVz6GemjjZ7N_Qa1BvHTGDBlt9EJVW6LZL_s39V7QwpW4-IzHjTlN-sQLcKgKqhFZsBYDAOkmv8jcolJ4k1HiY5Jqlx-n6knwcbTnYrNSbF8KGyeGm/s320/12a+-+Bald+Eagle+on+Western+Grebe+Kill+-+Elk+Lake+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
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<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53_X32Ks1C4uDb9Vw6NkuaNbXlIqalOby3UhbTTSV30WGOeeHPp14wgpSoRgLcVDnlR6T8fE1DmLaGLHCfbP6sp1ptR5hAn3A6CzaTBgXh7EPZ6e_JyHWn2I3IAc5TEGadqx5/s1600/14+-+Eagle+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53_X32Ks1C4uDb9Vw6NkuaNbXlIqalOby3UhbTTSV30WGOeeHPp14wgpSoRgLcVDnlR6T8fE1DmLaGLHCfbP6sp1ptR5hAn3A6CzaTBgXh7EPZ6e_JyHWn2I3IAc5TEGadqx5/s320/14+-+Eagle+on+Grebe+-+Nov+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>After harassing the Mr. Eagle awhile, the Magpie decided a little caution might be the wisest course of action. So, as the eagle screamed his resentment, the Magpie flew to yonder tree to await the scraps. </p>
<p>Now for the punchline: A couple days later, I spotted a dark spot on the ice out in the bay. With the help of binoculars I could identify it was likely another dead duck - with an eagle perched on top. Thus this story had the same players - dead duck, feeding eagle, and pesky Magpies (I could see two hanging around not far from the eagle), but it had a TOTALLY different ending!</p>
<p>As I watched, a Magpie boldly landed a few feet behind the feeding eagle and began looking for scraps. Okay, repeat of a few days ago, I'm thinking. NOT! For, as I watched, suddenly a second eagle appears on the scene, snatches (and kills) the Magpie, then lands to consume her appetizer while awaiting lunch!</p>
<p>Just goes to show: In the wild you *could* be the eater - OR - you *could* be an appetizer! And, of course, it also goes to show you never know what you'll see next at Elk Lake!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-77550103751475001242014-01-31T14:23:00.000-07:002014-01-31T14:23:49.315-07:00Morning Moose<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-XUOe9gmUup_3kdVA2Q_lOB1sfaV61Z9EichQIa8OdEjsywyBA-YCqtcty0J7iZnTyVvKX_-JFt1__4K0XSaJjYw7o006nHicZaOVW_3jcwHjq_NFx2IdkfS35BjHokDjE3F/s1600/0+-+C+-+Moose+Closeup+-+Feb+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-XUOe9gmUup_3kdVA2Q_lOB1sfaV61Z9EichQIa8OdEjsywyBA-YCqtcty0J7iZnTyVvKX_-JFt1__4K0XSaJjYw7o006nHicZaOVW_3jcwHjq_NFx2IdkfS35BjHokDjE3F/s320/0+-+C+-+Moose+Closeup+-+Feb+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<P>It has always been a special pleasure to look out my window and find some of our resident wildlife hanging around the yard. Perhaps that is because I have never found myself nose-to-nose with a Grizzly or Wolf! And, of course, no winter would be complete without an occasional moose visit. However, not until this year, have I ever looked out the window to find a moose cuddled up enjoying its cud within a few feet of my bedroom!</P>
<p>Of course the pre-dawn light did not permit a decent photo - and I refused to disturb his relaxation by flashing a bright light his way merely for the sake of a picture. So, when a 'crunch' 'crunch' broke the morning stillnes a bit later, I knew he was on the move before the humans (or the dog) made an apperance. </p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfU3A7S56Ak29DGzlRGbWbVRJ30QBGfA4CeozmwHWTfr695zJcC7CBM-UFvCFbmNTaXYmfLQAhBBc_HQVJDxCx6uFLIe_zx-stIoKOpRi6YirvKaSusIIw-sECUDTKZPk5Hsg/s1600/1+-+Moose+Bed+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfU3A7S56Ak29DGzlRGbWbVRJ30QBGfA4CeozmwHWTfr695zJcC7CBM-UFvCFbmNTaXYmfLQAhBBc_HQVJDxCx6uFLIe_zx-stIoKOpRi6YirvKaSusIIw-sECUDTKZPk5Hsg/s320/1+-+Moose+Bed+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp43whUQMe2mhKnk44AYGqQ9NorlHGJyjrOvCwjw_EwcoZNmf7CA0p7jyLR9mbY-dqiim1Tz4RiYQGyeQQSg244kD5NFbUDk9Olw6vZrPgl_AxhQ5fqpYsuBsihQVtWtS3M_J_/s1600/2+-+Bo+Checking+Moose+Bed+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp43whUQMe2mhKnk44AYGqQ9NorlHGJyjrOvCwjw_EwcoZNmf7CA0p7jyLR9mbY-dqiim1Tz4RiYQGyeQQSg244kD5NFbUDk9Olw6vZrPgl_AxhQ5fqpYsuBsihQVtWtS3M_J_/s320/2+-+Bo+Checking+Moose+Bed+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>But a dog doesn't need his eyes to know a visitor has been tromping up his yard while he slept. So it came as no surprise the recently vacated moose bed was the first place Bo inspected when released from his kennel. "Hmmm," you can almost hear him thinking, "They're getting a bit cocky, sleeping this close to MY house!"</p>
<p>However, as big as they are, moose are mighty adapt at hiding. So, it took us all a little time to figure out where he'd gone.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGHpkRLjqWUFaDQbMTAef0mdReGIcVxJCOZU5SXBYX3Q42bySnJI0DqFHoI2FwecAHC7Vo8O1vd1Xq_DbEOoEAH2CtXTkCam3mpWsthkE91M2r_CTqT1EupMoM_n6FTWD5gYi/s1600/3+-+Bo+finds+the+moose+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGHpkRLjqWUFaDQbMTAef0mdReGIcVxJCOZU5SXBYX3Q42bySnJI0DqFHoI2FwecAHC7Vo8O1vd1Xq_DbEOoEAH2CtXTkCam3mpWsthkE91M2r_CTqT1EupMoM_n6FTWD5gYi/s320/3+-+Bo+finds+the+moose+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Yet, they ARE big animal, and Bo is pretty efficient at locating critters. Thus in no time, he sounded the alarm. Sure enough, there is our moose. Oh! Make that THREE moose! Where did you come from?
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJ_JLSnfFtBjPK12hMDaW0k_Q9EG8Zo5CETt6loZwtHK6KUZOXtSeIK7m1NGssQ6g_54wcsXmPtZIliYHuupF6Z5lqraNhZgsf3-fIrDdzXmDeYiYNQAa4pW-YpwZH_LB5Wuf/s1600/4+-+Cow+Moose+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJ_JLSnfFtBjPK12hMDaW0k_Q9EG8Zo5CETt6loZwtHK6KUZOXtSeIK7m1NGssQ6g_54wcsXmPtZIliYHuupF6Z5lqraNhZgsf3-fIrDdzXmDeYiYNQAa4pW-YpwZH_LB5Wuf/s320/4+-+Cow+Moose+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Left to herself, I suspect this cow would have been quite content to give Bo her 'best' side and call it even.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxo7FKHzThLTj26KhGbzQ-pQCDMF5eysaMgY-AHa-E77F1QIk-t5d6_q24qAid84qnioCgSWBQEnSqW14SJ-UMe-IA0dJ2OROOtwUG4eT3gMHC-9sZWt6j5Pr6mQ60uFvBcbN/s1600/5+-+Looking+For+Her+Calf+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxo7FKHzThLTj26KhGbzQ-pQCDMF5eysaMgY-AHa-E77F1QIk-t5d6_q24qAid84qnioCgSWBQEnSqW14SJ-UMe-IA0dJ2OROOtwUG4eT3gMHC-9sZWt6j5Pr6mQ60uFvBcbN/s320/5+-+Looking+For+Her+Calf+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAEALvYKpuv4YRoTQmn6NaqWAOpyuPGrCRS-NyLUgX8P0xaBRV0Y8_WPx5uPFmPw6nQBYLs1ciAQ9PvsnJ9uuA8PEbu5jzO2WCp-kRHz1jI9GHEbtapgL6PYInrtAXasjkBp_/s1600/6+-+Comin+Ma+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAEALvYKpuv4YRoTQmn6NaqWAOpyuPGrCRS-NyLUgX8P0xaBRV0Y8_WPx5uPFmPw6nQBYLs1ciAQ9PvsnJ9uuA8PEbu5jzO2WCp-kRHz1jI9GHEbtapgL6PYInrtAXasjkBp_/s320/6+-+Comin+Ma+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>However, she was not alone. And, like any good mother, she appeared to consider 'safe' a better proposition than 'sorry'.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2TDk98GPp66erFZFwGTmx25q-3nY_QZkPMOastlNEMj9mG08-l4e782qXnSuLZB8vpd1JcwYU3h2z57JP-X8AckKcxJws2R2c8jNYkuNJwHYHOsGh3nwRoRrk_XUz8JFRWRa/s1600/7+-+First+Cow+and+Calf+of+season+in+yard+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2TDk98GPp66erFZFwGTmx25q-3nY_QZkPMOastlNEMj9mG08-l4e782qXnSuLZB8vpd1JcwYU3h2z57JP-X8AckKcxJws2R2c8jNYkuNJwHYHOsGh3nwRoRrk_XUz8JFRWRa/s320/7+-+First+Cow+and+Calf+of+season+in+yard+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiCPki_dv4eobZ9SGHsFBnHJAMkTk32R006PdrRXpPzdXOtOfglDuzpjvpaDugG9qjoiacLHlr0ZWTKoHQhPZt8mPbAPzLN0YfoSkiVXlUvjPnH70qQNvR-62Wug3MktwwfDa/s1600/8+-+Heading+For+Calmer+Grazing+Grounds+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiCPki_dv4eobZ9SGHsFBnHJAMkTk32R006PdrRXpPzdXOtOfglDuzpjvpaDugG9qjoiacLHlr0ZWTKoHQhPZt8mPbAPzLN0YfoSkiVXlUvjPnH70qQNvR-62Wug3MktwwfDa/s320/8+-+Heading+For+Calmer+Grazing+Grounds+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcE_WTxdD25Er0wNcAs9hiomkNmrftkI-gUN_QU5FqkyJUpgcwfAo0Y1Y2UQVCX6KgMNz9OClrBKTM0dwMXQcTWrpPRdSoTSUKAyPwGOCsGvSx5StNiX4Ia7n-9IPsmxXwJo80/s1600/9+-+Following+Mom+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcE_WTxdD25Er0wNcAs9hiomkNmrftkI-gUN_QU5FqkyJUpgcwfAo0Y1Y2UQVCX6KgMNz9OClrBKTM0dwMXQcTWrpPRdSoTSUKAyPwGOCsGvSx5StNiX4Ia7n-9IPsmxXwJo80/s320/9+-+Following+Mom+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysgcF4NSe5QAw-_NV4QQEl1UFHKxM25QU6xOo-RVSaA-XOW7EXN3sExAN9ttinNv0w3DNplvWwIdDfuufRZlKrO-ia1MqPm87zjyVxHsHAQfhW2alvFQRwaiCaqZPqELtK-xy/s1600/10+-+See+Ya+Later+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysgcF4NSe5QAw-_NV4QQEl1UFHKxM25QU6xOo-RVSaA-XOW7EXN3sExAN9ttinNv0w3DNplvWwIdDfuufRZlKrO-ia1MqPm87zjyVxHsHAQfhW2alvFQRwaiCaqZPqELtK-xy/s320/10+-+See+Ya+Later+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>So, in obviously effective moose language she called her calf, and together they headed to off find a less noisy grazing ground.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGDbyRfUkeEXgtf1sU838daW8DLLbVY9JbR7hMKxWObId2PRkvxm0K6WMrsH6EjG3_kQOOTv04lwkif5m9dZ23mRH-2YTCM9auKJrUT5_vflmmJTOihDx43O8kfXmonfEja4c/s1600/11+-+Bull+Unfrazled+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGDbyRfUkeEXgtf1sU838daW8DLLbVY9JbR7hMKxWObId2PRkvxm0K6WMrsH6EjG3_kQOOTv04lwkif5m9dZ23mRH-2YTCM9auKJrUT5_vflmmJTOihDx43O8kfXmonfEja4c/s320/11+-+Bull+Unfrazled+-+Jan+2014_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Mr. Bull, on the other hand, appears completely unfrazzled by Bo and his noisy incantations. Fortunlately we were able to convince Bo his job was complete - and Mr. Bull was left to mosey his way out at his own speed.</p>
<p>Since this visit, so far as I know, we have had no moose cuddling up to the lodge. However, based on the tracks I'm seeing around, they aren't far away - just munching away around the corner or bedded behind the willows and out of sight!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-33394386895316233302014-01-22T14:54:00.000-07:002014-01-22T14:54:26.066-07:00Moose Photo Opp<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDr_oSYXFLCgvoYRHp0cZFGpU0istsE2Eq2UnlMs3bf8BbqPh368JQE4fzJBsgoIXy8hB33A2O3DB4ZLtS5WI1nPmBMCdTDADPwDvp5k12r1d29_1Gbb57iGAuvDCLjrSBCYw/s1600/0+-+Cow+Moose+Laying+Near+Elk+Springs+Crk+-+Dec+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDr_oSYXFLCgvoYRHp0cZFGpU0istsE2Eq2UnlMs3bf8BbqPh368JQE4fzJBsgoIXy8hB33A2O3DB4ZLtS5WI1nPmBMCdTDADPwDvp5k12r1d29_1Gbb57iGAuvDCLjrSBCYw/s320/0+-+Cow+Moose+Laying+Near+Elk+Springs+Crk+-+Dec+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<P>We all LOVE to see those upclose and personal photos - the ones which make us feel we could reach out and touch some illusive wild critter we usually only see from afar. However, sometimes I think we assume there is some kind of 'wizardry' or at least some extreme LUCK which only the *few* are allowed to possess. </P>
<p>I will admit: It is sometimes an accident - that being in just the right place at the right time. And, it does take a good lens (like anything else - the better the equipment, the better chance of a great final product). However, that is really most of what it takes.</p>
<p>The other day when hubby offered to make the cold trek across the field to attempt a capture of moose images, I sat in the warm vehicle and recorded his progress (and his object). Comparing the photos later, I realized together we had a captured the 'capturing' of a photo. So, when a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elk-Lake-Resort/46718097181"> Facebook fan</a> recently commented on a closeup photo, I realized that process might be of interest to some of you.</p>
<p>Thus, what follows is the documentation of a photo opp - captured by two different lenses from two different perspectives.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vtp0bhJlh_-HQhzaPASkUTCP3rkWv9fgmtHZ7Cw658P5fgTiSvWlUR2IzCnvkEsDlcMQjd-TqYmOa61H1jzh5KDCajOi6xuceZBMwWqsokVU2wu2g4ANvxIWG9dwct4kSfpL/s1600/1+-+Heading+Out+For+A+Photo+-+Dec+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vtp0bhJlh_-HQhzaPASkUTCP3rkWv9fgmtHZ7Cw658P5fgTiSvWlUR2IzCnvkEsDlcMQjd-TqYmOa61H1jzh5KDCajOi6xuceZBMwWqsokVU2wu2g4ANvxIWG9dwct4kSfpL/s320/1+-+Heading+Out+For+A+Photo+-+Dec+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>It all starts by finding a subject. Sometimes that subject comes across your path offering only a few precious seconds to capture its image. However, in the case of Centennial Valley winter moose - usually if you aren't too aggressive, you can snap a few pictures - that is if you can find them. This one was fairly well hidden! Can you see here (this image is actually more magnified than your eye would actually see).</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7hmvsckhjZJnJFtBApmBDMPiKX_u0eLjdX0eeCMWLQ4HFljmcNpIUmzpf8jhOOy09_aNmRyh8xXp2nwWhpbqBCGdQP0T0FQauvWhL6KFvJ2d5_VF9Wtchj0sKsJ55Fzhvxtb/s1600/2+-+Just+Ignore+Him+-+Dec+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7hmvsckhjZJnJFtBApmBDMPiKX_u0eLjdX0eeCMWLQ4HFljmcNpIUmzpf8jhOOy09_aNmRyh8xXp2nwWhpbqBCGdQP0T0FQauvWhL6KFvJ2d5_VF9Wtchj0sKsJ55Fzhvxtb/s320/2+-+Just+Ignore+Him+-+Dec+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>At first the cow just chose to ignore him. However, as he continued to approach, she deigned to give him a look.</p>
<p><em>NOTE: Whenever we attempt to photograph wildlife, our FIRST concern is to not scare or irritate them. Thus, while, as you will see, this moose gave way to hubby's pressure, he never pushed in close enough to cause her to exhibit any signs of irritation or fear.</em></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV5ueNe3ICoN5NFOm2SgplFFeZusvXIvvepYLaW-A5B1g5ny0PDLUEIN1iW_6rtfAJTjtd__t8l7X4z_NFkxodEgd65wCcEL16eqyuqoBsFF81yPkBwBwTunyv5a1eLFSeXe1/s1600/3+-+Yes+I+See+You+-+Dec+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvV5ueNe3ICoN5NFOm2SgplFFeZusvXIvvepYLaW-A5B1g5ny0PDLUEIN1iW_6rtfAJTjtd__t8l7X4z_NFkxodEgd65wCcEL16eqyuqoBsFF81yPkBwBwTunyv5a1eLFSeXe1/s320/3+-+Yes+I+See+You+-+Dec+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYZk0CCjlNk_-TuoDXFGsnT7pPAdD6KLEOEJyKmsz6WmLi1xCL1prcxVMgYo8SpARAElFCexNEw2Q6TqTFYaRfYaYjrggEyYbHDdg7vN-SwtJuNGC_SrqgEOAaE2Cx5xUOJgo/s1600/4+-+Moving+In+Closer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYZk0CCjlNk_-TuoDXFGsnT7pPAdD6KLEOEJyKmsz6WmLi1xCL1prcxVMgYo8SpARAElFCexNEw2Q6TqTFYaRfYaYjrggEyYbHDdg7vN-SwtJuNGC_SrqgEOAaE2Cx5xUOJgo/s320/4+-+Moving+In+Closer.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lPZkr3aZGPjvDcInLpxdA76Sf5MSm2MMgMZU-T48KJyoerQyPBZy60sSUUqnzKn6sLa4lydTOVJg2iTKQpeQ9EBnnHLYHHI60a8Yhq9XESpcpcJiioikx8DFzDSvJNwZHlx5/s1600/5+-+Positioned+for+a+photo+-+Dec+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lPZkr3aZGPjvDcInLpxdA76Sf5MSm2MMgMZU-T48KJyoerQyPBZy60sSUUqnzKn6sLa4lydTOVJg2iTKQpeQ9EBnnHLYHHI60a8Yhq9XESpcpcJiioikx8DFzDSvJNwZHlx5/s320/5+-+Positioned+for+a+photo+-+Dec+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Moving slowly and quietly and avoiding direct eye contact, he continued to approach her bed. Obviously she knew he was there. Yet, just as obviously, she is not overly anxious about his presence.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtlQKiHZ-7Wn9d05I6ixKDzyFLhqGwhaMJdISg7-p0keHCMGvu3enL8OGcVM80w8bXsF1Lb8It2Y2mQK_kzJ1f5g_l0nOhWfLRuHaaHX2j_eAv1vvKfc0ztEkbcrL7j6N-scR/s1600/6+-+Frosty+Bed+-+Dec+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtlQKiHZ-7Wn9d05I6ixKDzyFLhqGwhaMJdISg7-p0keHCMGvu3enL8OGcVM80w8bXsF1Lb8It2Y2mQK_kzJ1f5g_l0nOhWfLRuHaaHX2j_eAv1vvKfc0ztEkbcrL7j6N-scR/s320/6+-+Frosty+Bed+-+Dec+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Here he stopped to take the first picture. As you can see, she is still quite unconcerned, cuddled down into her frosty bed.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzifJ-72sxFd2UYVmfX-XCznsAW1t6TYrky6s6w0rqwvwBbjzCPKII91f4qK9gS5Rj6uTQfGHIEIYz4s7yZw7OZ2IABmvG5a090VpIZ2A97FTT4Ip8mO_Wi4L7NZmXXUyPhLg/s1600/7+-+A+Butt+Shot+-+Dec+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzifJ-72sxFd2UYVmfX-XCznsAW1t6TYrky6s6w0rqwvwBbjzCPKII91f4qK9gS5Rj6uTQfGHIEIYz4s7yZw7OZ2IABmvG5a090VpIZ2A97FTT4Ip8mO_Wi4L7NZmXXUyPhLg/s320/7+-+A+Butt+Shot+-+Dec+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>As he moved in and manuevered for a grass-free face shot, she finally decided he was too close. Standing she presented him with her best side (or maybe she's just making it clear what she thinks of him disturbing her nap)!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqXLmkMGtj-r5uFL02imU6e2cyvz5qYx4JQf_u9f2AJBJMdcg2Is5Lf98uY6X-9t8coM1H1jRjja2MY9nP_zkVioAoIDeEbwzjYSxWs6Qjrv9Y93PCvV3cS1B-oE8SL_izhoQ/s1600/8+-+Posing+For+A+Shot+-+Dec+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqXLmkMGtj-r5uFL02imU6e2cyvz5qYx4JQf_u9f2AJBJMdcg2Is5Lf98uY6X-9t8coM1H1jRjja2MY9nP_zkVioAoIDeEbwzjYSxWs6Qjrv9Y93PCvV3cS1B-oE8SL_izhoQ/s320/8+-+Posing+For+A+Shot+-+Dec+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN38HSaEq9VsO0SZ115l-y_R3Id3d91EmxJ7PSZnBFpM6kd54iN6KBDLOOnFW4TCjZ0sI7V9p1ku-FDHJgix4ja7QpNSpohwt6OI6ylUsIlxWr8ownpd02ZrTqkZJ_GS9iLBJ_/s1600/8b+-+Cow+and+Calf+Moose+-+Dec+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN38HSaEq9VsO0SZ115l-y_R3Id3d91EmxJ7PSZnBFpM6kd54iN6KBDLOOnFW4TCjZ0sI7V9p1ku-FDHJgix4ja7QpNSpohwt6OI6ylUsIlxWr8ownpd02ZrTqkZJ_GS9iLBJ_/s320/8b+-+Cow+and+Calf+Moose+-+Dec+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>And then came the surprise - a calf hidden in grass so deep neither of us knew he was anywhere around until he stood. Obviously he is a bit more curious as to the identity of the two-legged critter approaching their bedding ground than his mother.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gUQgVaP_XGtOI6q9uXq1i_btY4dGqaiauugD__lR_0YW9eU69HM1egoj4PN5sgfKDgeMms3z8j2U9PLVqkAlLzAMwD9PhqgINxk0-9PwJAEwfCnIEa_e7MH2nhC0IdRKijVR/s1600/9+-+Time+To+Go+-+Dec+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gUQgVaP_XGtOI6q9uXq1i_btY4dGqaiauugD__lR_0YW9eU69HM1egoj4PN5sgfKDgeMms3z8j2U9PLVqkAlLzAMwD9PhqgINxk0-9PwJAEwfCnIEa_e7MH2nhC0IdRKijVR/s320/9+-+Time+To+Go+-+Dec+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW5dsSw02r0kEQ9U5JA5UGy8hVh_ObFeAIm06u3zDcF-C2S92kkJhdLz4dM4zLJwZUelAAdd1_UsbI9TFQPkhS7FKlkkQ7j3iq24pjgi4DiPEFHp7A0EkYVbJoso2_VYz5HCL/s1600/10+-+But+Mom+What+Is+It+-+Dec+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW5dsSw02r0kEQ9U5JA5UGy8hVh_ObFeAIm06u3zDcF-C2S92kkJhdLz4dM4zLJwZUelAAdd1_UsbI9TFQPkhS7FKlkkQ7j3iq24pjgi4DiPEFHp7A0EkYVbJoso2_VYz5HCL/s320/10+-+But+Mom+What+Is+It+-+Dec+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>While the photographer grabs another closeup you can almost hear the calf saying: 'But, Mom, what is *that* thing?'</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGUEN5egH8hA3JsMEbXJaGW6rFNtKxzDAW3EZ2m27nOxCl9hy0QniOrMFRovAh7wHJ7zQdMxPr9g0lkzaiou-N-v844nKcTPQs_5PfuBvSGg3FWyvWD_flPYcAki47vYR4Z1P/s1600/11+-+Mosing+Off+-+Dec+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGUEN5egH8hA3JsMEbXJaGW6rFNtKxzDAW3EZ2m27nOxCl9hy0QniOrMFRovAh7wHJ7zQdMxPr9g0lkzaiou-N-v844nKcTPQs_5PfuBvSGg3FWyvWD_flPYcAki47vYR4Z1P/s320/11+-+Mosing+Off+-+Dec+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV1nE97hpu3sVGFPLX6ufW16ML4FudAL2fU1qKPpCRefIW7kSRppnmmvkHZMhnH-D2nAEZPhxq6v3jy5TDoQNGTq03i47BobrpQpljZR9qktJ2ZtV6pEV5VhFFdqft5wbq9Xt/s1600/12+-+That+Is+Enough+-+Dec+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV1nE97hpu3sVGFPLX6ufW16ML4FudAL2fU1qKPpCRefIW7kSRppnmmvkHZMhnH-D2nAEZPhxq6v3jy5TDoQNGTq03i47BobrpQpljZR9qktJ2ZtV6pEV5VhFFdqft5wbq9Xt/s320/12+-+That+Is+Enough+-+Dec+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Another possible shot? Obviously he debates whether that is possible without bothering them further - and decides no. So, he turns to leave them to mosey off at a leisurely pace, obviously already forgetting the rude two-legged critter who nudged them out of their warm beds on a frosty afternoon. </p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBKbEDtXryCcy0iY_6fiYuxzDyqIw73pGUX4QJEz5znr-oi0rHWiGGm1js7R4gismAVHRP5TTFFeXO3YjmkTGmO15h5bpKmNQ7mRLrS-oV4FliN8xC4JEJ-sk52r_W_ELAZS5/s1600/13+-++A+Little+Better+Perspective+-+Dec+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBKbEDtXryCcy0iY_6fiYuxzDyqIw73pGUX4QJEz5znr-oi0rHWiGGm1js7R4gismAVHRP5TTFFeXO3YjmkTGmO15h5bpKmNQ7mRLrS-oV4FliN8xC4JEJ-sk52r_W_ELAZS5/s320/13+-++A+Little+Better+Perspective+-+Dec+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>And for all those who think hubby was really getting up-close and personal, here's a little perspective. My photos above were taken with a 210 mm zoom which brings everything closer. It also compacts the subjects so they 'look' closer together than they really are. For a little perspective: Your eye sees at about a 50 mm. This last photo is taken at 70mm. As you can see - there was still quite a distance between the photographer and his subjects.</p>
<p>And so ends another Centennial Valley photo shoot. While we don't always capture the images we want, we certainly can't complain about a lack of variety or beauty!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-59307211428827881782014-01-08T16:14:00.002-07:002014-01-08T16:15:44.941-07:00Swainson's Hawks<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV_mQPfeh44jsCaZqltDQLuPGo44h1lZCVY8EiBuyAklPHD3EjRLZyeRFW0T4gS57095-ATRrJU8btoJMcFuFVwmequG16HW6uyrAvhNar2vHOEn2dWm9p_LnBEUv1xz9OXa0/s1600/0+-+Swainsons+Hawk4+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV_mQPfeh44jsCaZqltDQLuPGo44h1lZCVY8EiBuyAklPHD3EjRLZyeRFW0T4gS57095-ATRrJU8btoJMcFuFVwmequG16HW6uyrAvhNar2vHOEn2dWm9p_LnBEUv1xz9OXa0/s320/0+-+Swainsons+Hawk4+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>NOTE: I apologize, once again, for the lengthy delay between posts these last few months. I am finding it a bit too much to keep up with two social mediums. Thus the Facebook page gets my attention and the blog gets the left-overs - or so it seems. So, for those of you who would enjoy a more 'regular' dose of Elk Lake, please 'like' our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elk-Lake-Resort/46718097181">Facebook page</a>. </p>
<P>A couple of good photo opportunities provided me with a stack of Swainson Hawk photos I cannot keep to myself. Thus, I decided to dedicate a full post to these beautiful birds. </P>
<p>However, as lovely as the photos may seem (and a few are at least decent), the post would not be nearly as interesting without some fascinating facts - and these birds are actually very intriguing!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERFYV0T2bI6__RtNf220oJYVf7keyUuFBD-yujf_tEs5T6pIU_78USf3YQhbpGZLhQ3Vom64ly32r1kgf_sX-zGYL9xF9ZLYEbrJYH4kMItvDZe3BTPoCeSjWjNUTwO7likUK/s1600/1+-+Pair+of+Swainson+Young+in+Treetop+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERFYV0T2bI6__RtNf220oJYVf7keyUuFBD-yujf_tEs5T6pIU_78USf3YQhbpGZLhQ3Vom64ly32r1kgf_sX-zGYL9xF9ZLYEbrJYH4kMItvDZe3BTPoCeSjWjNUTwO7likUK/s320/1+-+Pair+of+Swainson+Young+in+Treetop+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcrpjLOIuwSCxnvSVilCgY5ETYp_rc7BWXfrkg_B731N45XCXYeJdvQPmurIk8mZQ7-G5cU-5TctOFL2ReyWWszRZMlbSSp1AARFCAIBGESNvlPquou35bUlNoMnA8GYC3szk/s1600/2+-+Young+Hawk+on+Post+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcrpjLOIuwSCxnvSVilCgY5ETYp_rc7BWXfrkg_B731N45XCXYeJdvQPmurIk8mZQ7-G5cU-5TctOFL2ReyWWszRZMlbSSp1AARFCAIBGESNvlPquou35bUlNoMnA8GYC3szk/s320/2+-+Young+Hawk+on+Post+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UQ4DT4VPjFnRUYhhyphenhyphen1WDgKDISa-9VzaLs88vVFI6-a7PRUE1m-nvtJcbcjDrGwxCX78FyTqc3PocSoj7jUQnKoOgILR1cba9Jn3oxZH9F9nzDBjSc9vyi5qDWkhk9LLF6KSF/s1600/3+-+Young+Hawk+Dance+-+Aug+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UQ4DT4VPjFnRUYhhyphenhyphen1WDgKDISa-9VzaLs88vVFI6-a7PRUE1m-nvtJcbcjDrGwxCX78FyTqc3PocSoj7jUQnKoOgILR1cba9Jn3oxZH9F9nzDBjSc9vyi5qDWkhk9LLF6KSF/s320/3+-+Young+Hawk+Dance+-+Aug+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbAaE-VUMi_L0tBoamCXJXm4Use8QLqfCkg3-zSngVUhNOOOXbHty9tjrbeSu-IP8x4CYJRNQi7ecn8H0NgKfTk07Ffy43nYlea1mvprZLuTt-TVSFf-d3f0qQNuG_qi4CnKB/s1600/4+-+Young+Swainsons+Hawk+on+Post+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbAaE-VUMi_L0tBoamCXJXm4Use8QLqfCkg3-zSngVUhNOOOXbHty9tjrbeSu-IP8x4CYJRNQi7ecn8H0NgKfTk07Ffy43nYlea1mvprZLuTt-TVSFf-d3f0qQNuG_qi4CnKB/s320/4+-+Young+Swainsons+Hawk+on+Post+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlf71yaHQ8cjHWxoagZyrd7EjQWbaFMFQ3LAtNFJflLjFF2yMw1wtSaWibu4C_Y7zJMzjM_pdIbJ8JnEB2aTyLxuYd6W1v7JXBpv_6JgoIOBYU88eU_Yu7rckvDHlp4XLwE3h/s1600/5+-+Young+Swainson+in+tree+top+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlf71yaHQ8cjHWxoagZyrd7EjQWbaFMFQ3LAtNFJflLjFF2yMw1wtSaWibu4C_Y7zJMzjM_pdIbJ8JnEB2aTyLxuYd6W1v7JXBpv_6JgoIOBYU88eU_Yu7rckvDHlp4XLwE3h/s320/5+-+Young+Swainson+in+tree+top+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Swainson's Hawks are really quite an amazing bird. One of their most fascinating facts is their nesting habits. While they do not nest exclusively in one type of location, the fact that I have seen the young in this same - mostly open prairie - location for several years in a row peaked my curiosity. Where exactly had they been raised?</p>
<p>Surely, I assumed, in the general area. But where? I wondered. As the tallest trees where a mere 20 feet or so this 'typical' raptor nesting location didn't seem likely. Besides, I could see the trees clearly and surely would have spotted a nest as large as these birds require.</p>
<p>A brief discussion with Refuge personnel only added to my confusion. The 'general' opinion seemed to be they nested in the forest at the edge of the prairie. If so, why did these young appear and then remain for several weeks in a location at least 1/2 a mile from the nearest forest boundary? It didn't make sense.</p>
<p> So, like any good modern researcher I turned to Google (that's the modern way, right?). Here I found some interesting facts - about nesting and more. First off, to answer my burining question: Swainson's Hawks nest "in a solitary tree" (allaboutbirds.org) - "in a tree or shrub or on a cliff edge. . .occasionally a pair will nest on the ground or on a bank or ledge" (wikipedia.org) - "usually placed low in a tree, bush, or shrub" (peregrinefund.org) - "nest occasionally in sagebrush plants 2.5 m. [8 feet] tall" (prbo.org) - "in a tree, shrub, on the ground, or on top of a utility pole" (whatbird.com).</p>
<p> One thing became crystal clear - these birds are not overly picky about their nesting location. Apparently if it <em>feels</em> safe, it <em>is</em> safe. So, assuming these birds nest near where the young are seen soon after fledging, I began to strike out the impossible locations. Not a tree unless it was more of a bush (willow); certainly not the tall stately (empahsis on large) tree typically associated with raptors' nests. Not a ledge as no rocky ledges existed in the area. Not a cliff edge as no cliff's existed in the area. And certainly not a utility pole as the nearest was about 10 miles away.</p>
<p>That left a shrub (there are willows in the area although not large ones), a bush (sagebrush is plentiful), a bank (there are swales nearby where, potentially, there might be a suitable bank), or on the ground. Now, considering this is a predator-rich environment, that created a truly amazing proposition.</p>
<p> Could it be? Could these birds actually have successfully fledged their young for several years in a nest which seems so vulnerable as to be sure to fail? Based on what I have seen, it seems possible. However, I admit to <strong>not</strong> tramping about the scene for concrete evidence. At first this was my plan. But, after further consideration I wondered if my presence (if it were to somehow be detected by the returning pair next year) would disturb what has obviously been a successful family home to date. So, I decided to forego this plan, at least for the time being. </p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTwLjTBVmAZsVi_-VNaQ-PRFcUGdTpQTrLA7GKCuv3trvLHWtt7fxQ697Gw84UhPE9w4ZYgplqky3Ror_1WzDCmFwo81aztZdXa4Q1GI_ks2ZTDF5ZlPQXfIg2zTI8ebevYV1/s1600/6+-+Swainsons+Hawk3+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTwLjTBVmAZsVi_-VNaQ-PRFcUGdTpQTrLA7GKCuv3trvLHWtt7fxQ697Gw84UhPE9w4ZYgplqky3Ror_1WzDCmFwo81aztZdXa4Q1GI_ks2ZTDF5ZlPQXfIg2zTI8ebevYV1/s320/6+-+Swainsons+Hawk3+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkjdXOROn9w0iMLMVY-oZuCU7zs9EMSifRmI-WTtMFIOmQWzgRlmFkB1J9Z-qVv-1Y9E5g4kkG-VEWWFAXvbqjukxlb31k1NZg4ZOf6TOVh2a56JUIT7xxd8VdfPeeYXAeDj-/s1600/7+-+Swainsons+Hawk5+-+Sept+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkjdXOROn9w0iMLMVY-oZuCU7zs9EMSifRmI-WTtMFIOmQWzgRlmFkB1J9Z-qVv-1Y9E5g4kkG-VEWWFAXvbqjukxlb31k1NZg4ZOf6TOVh2a56JUIT7xxd8VdfPeeYXAeDj-/s320/7+-+Swainsons+Hawk5+-+Sept+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLW2w8YhRMJKWLEi2bfjbx6XrePRfaxN7aVk5pJ-o11hOwc44sMNZ7NF-GYvwIIR9yaZbxwOqWnybwqbvmd0PtY_LpqyukoBC_ghATkUel_-ng724uG0xGUXYiT5PlQfbUJZMB/s1600/8+-+Swainsons+Hawk6+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLW2w8YhRMJKWLEi2bfjbx6XrePRfaxN7aVk5pJ-o11hOwc44sMNZ7NF-GYvwIIR9yaZbxwOqWnybwqbvmd0PtY_LpqyukoBC_ghATkUel_-ng724uG0xGUXYiT5PlQfbUJZMB/s320/8+-+Swainsons+Hawk6+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCuv5mUMH5X-8Y6yYyNMMYg9LqSAgDwOt59GqckStKGDbFQ8WPNQ-pD1fAYmszP7tCptTI6iHY2mB8B0nQMfXPLnOOiEWOCO8liwxdwU7Pdv8ux_cjDnUN5wbYI8zqrWdfQj4/s1600/9+-+Swainsons+Hawk7+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCuv5mUMH5X-8Y6yYyNMMYg9LqSAgDwOt59GqckStKGDbFQ8WPNQ-pD1fAYmszP7tCptTI6iHY2mB8B0nQMfXPLnOOiEWOCO8liwxdwU7Pdv8ux_cjDnUN5wbYI8zqrWdfQj4/s320/9+-+Swainsons+Hawk7+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>This, of course, is not all the interesting information I learned about this beautiful raptor. (Note, all information was obtained from the sites listed above). Swainson's Hawks are a bird which, to my mind, defy the odds in more ways than one. Not only do they nest in 'vulnerable' locations, in America only the tundra breeding Peregrine Falcons endure a longer migration.</p>
<p>These young Swainson's Hawks had to be ready to join a massive migration within 3 - 4 months of birth. Imagine, two young birds raised in the Centennial Valley solitude joining several thousand who, as a group, cover an average of 200 miles per day! Talk about culture shock and an extreme exercise program. No wonder they were reluctant to move during our photo sessions!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO89cJiKqx0PnPztYux5He3Xj92sWkTrkHZfWflb-gDIUQZGHL44GbKqjJ-ex0OzsS7k2AiLsNTDy1f5ZOOqTyZ0xKGwukGwQy2gZqdxdTgksExbtU0W1dfy3r_BXv1kXkQ-uA/s1600/10+-+Swainson's+Hawk+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO89cJiKqx0PnPztYux5He3Xj92sWkTrkHZfWflb-gDIUQZGHL44GbKqjJ-ex0OzsS7k2AiLsNTDy1f5ZOOqTyZ0xKGwukGwQy2gZqdxdTgksExbtU0W1dfy3r_BXv1kXkQ-uA/s320/10+-+Swainson's+Hawk+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wK8V-t904efcZc6bWisKHTya7ZhwdPfcdmoxyuzkO7-0SKeZVk5X05-fAzmZCA4fvnMk8bU3a-Q7fhxbFdfK_OmSsIl7w7jA_S0A9FnciTl6CYuQJYyvriVjdMqh021d72pd/s1600/11+-+Swainsons+Hawk+2+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wK8V-t904efcZc6bWisKHTya7ZhwdPfcdmoxyuzkO7-0SKeZVk5X05-fAzmZCA4fvnMk8bU3a-Q7fhxbFdfK_OmSsIl7w7jA_S0A9FnciTl6CYuQJYyvriVjdMqh021d72pd/s320/11+-+Swainsons+Hawk+2+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>These two photos could be taken as further 'proof' these youngsters were raised on the ground. After all, what bird do you know which would sit on the ground, next to the road, unmoved by vehicles and people? One could almost mistake this beautiful creature for a house pet!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Tecr-oYjb4Vgbkji8Mfhd_KKtyVOAq611g3Gre3D7QjIhMs93CetNFba-Sa0gwYydRiBAtiph7k0EvNszI4yaECPEhSnKtnzrjDD1RylyXhPPQrMbJ8gMTe20htY_ljmfGQb/s1600/12+-+Screaming+Hawk+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Tecr-oYjb4Vgbkji8Mfhd_KKtyVOAq611g3Gre3D7QjIhMs93CetNFba-Sa0gwYydRiBAtiph7k0EvNszI4yaECPEhSnKtnzrjDD1RylyXhPPQrMbJ8gMTe20htY_ljmfGQb/s320/12+-+Screaming+Hawk+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2neP-x2_XTUW_kd7-hL6OsE8HhrikOpAsGBigaScdrUgkzefVGNjcAkouPXf7FGVpnL9wyzdAD5_QjQkHdphyCd4fUOp9nWEif_tYwgspyI9WnTepD4YvfjbB7NAoggGNDjyN/s1600/13+-+Swainsons+Hawk+Adult+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2neP-x2_XTUW_kd7-hL6OsE8HhrikOpAsGBigaScdrUgkzefVGNjcAkouPXf7FGVpnL9wyzdAD5_QjQkHdphyCd4fUOp9nWEif_tYwgspyI9WnTepD4YvfjbB7NAoggGNDjyN/s320/13+-+Swainsons+Hawk+Adult+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>But their mild nature does not last. This parent seemed anything but 'tame' as it screamed and dove and appeared ready to attack me as I photographed its young. A protective parent and a skilled hunter, these adults feed themselves and their young on immature ground squirrels and other small mammals, insects, various small birds, and an occasional reptile or amphibian.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqTkDzEgIwOd9J7VyqQv1cZHgFPBrh-2xxRpAgOWRZM1mn2-HORTUXs3TLBJNqZis7gXVsDu7J59FU8b5IrisNK1dMWFTvKpJv6ijX9HdkUlOh4P4e7oQ2e-ubWjYIiGXfZBC/s1600/14+-+Swainson+Hawk+Adult+2+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqTkDzEgIwOd9J7VyqQv1cZHgFPBrh-2xxRpAgOWRZM1mn2-HORTUXs3TLBJNqZis7gXVsDu7J59FU8b5IrisNK1dMWFTvKpJv6ijX9HdkUlOh4P4e7oQ2e-ubWjYIiGXfZBC/s320/14+-+Swainson+Hawk+Adult+2+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXPEQm-YughE5TqKdDB0b11L76U6RNTVU21PJ4X5YKXleCX7MwcIHwBvmHMYb8McAhCY1KmF6FZGPZz2xFLh0NkDc_f_Q1H8LJ1IM0db_CLrnDoQmDybv9SOBphCTOgSqDrlG/s1600/15-+Screaming+Swainsons+Hawk+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXPEQm-YughE5TqKdDB0b11L76U6RNTVU21PJ4X5YKXleCX7MwcIHwBvmHMYb8McAhCY1KmF6FZGPZz2xFLh0NkDc_f_Q1H8LJ1IM0db_CLrnDoQmDybv9SOBphCTOgSqDrlG/s320/15-+Screaming+Swainsons+Hawk+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>A few weeks - that was all - before they flew off to join those thousands on their long treck to South America. Hopefully they will return next year to successfully nest and fledge more beautiful young who - with any luck - will perch on these same posts and trees for yet another amazing photo opportunity!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-30652786766678004232013-11-14T11:44:00.000-07:002013-11-14T11:44:23.034-07:00Evening On Golden Pond<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQzoKJBSeeSZI09JbOgD6FwElHj0OX0ABBdmXyLl6dfJxprrTyM8ykOcThlx_CNky5IcDHTfBfNvMm7urLG4NCF7OwaDCsVHjTGsuoSuM1eDRAbZ2Pb7RaLUPksX-yGji7jkT/s1600/0+-+Sunset+over+widgeon+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQzoKJBSeeSZI09JbOgD6FwElHj0OX0ABBdmXyLl6dfJxprrTyM8ykOcThlx_CNky5IcDHTfBfNvMm7urLG4NCF7OwaDCsVHjTGsuoSuM1eDRAbZ2Pb7RaLUPksX-yGji7jkT/s320/0+-+Sunset+over+widgeon+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<P>Sometimes words fail to convey the sense, the essence, the power of a place. Photos must step in to show what we cannot say. A recent evening in the general vicinity of our local 'golden pond' (Widgeon Pond aka Widow's Pool) defied description. Hopefully the abundant photos in this post do a decent job of conveying the magic. </P>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhU_DyxYmZXFuY2kVwhMqSdI8T10UxblSGJo5q5SuJOTduVBMcIl_q6vmiBBHBjr6XSdqx6fsZ2tfhszWICXwiKG6wNlb-NXqEh26mIs97Wq5CWrBkKBC9K5rY38RXlUDcOMH/s1600/1+-+Rabbit+Brush+-+Widgeon+-+Jefferson+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhU_DyxYmZXFuY2kVwhMqSdI8T10UxblSGJo5q5SuJOTduVBMcIl_q6vmiBBHBjr6XSdqx6fsZ2tfhszWICXwiKG6wNlb-NXqEh26mIs97Wq5CWrBkKBC9K5rY38RXlUDcOMH/s320/1+-+Rabbit+Brush+-+Widgeon+-+Jefferson+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoy3ThOzj9KSniljoujzcydEDXswoZHgu2LccAedCz4DlWNoYMAULwl5GwQ4kcq0xI0jSAKmEN0e-EM0kzOz4ixQawxS3HDzFQzkrZQ_OavCbmLv1LfQhsILrxW2_3afekD4t/s1600/2+-+Widgeon+Pond+and+Baldy+-+Sep+2013_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoy3ThOzj9KSniljoujzcydEDXswoZHgu2LccAedCz4DlWNoYMAULwl5GwQ4kcq0xI0jSAKmEN0e-EM0kzOz4ixQawxS3HDzFQzkrZQ_OavCbmLv1LfQhsILrxW2_3afekD4t/s320/2+-+Widgeon+Pond+and+Baldy+-+Sep+2013_2.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOw9PzmzaxzUm3GvHqK9b5TyZkRwRGySTIIMxRMhd_W7QtRWzQ7Tf4RhWb8YCghS0uIxcFdC3HcBkGvBaZlvTKls9l8gYjDDmHZy6W6PlQaR86vcQDfCLF33iUA5epD97vZ5b/s1600/3+-+Cattle+on+stormy+backdrop+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOw9PzmzaxzUm3GvHqK9b5TyZkRwRGySTIIMxRMhd_W7QtRWzQ7Tf4RhWb8YCghS0uIxcFdC3HcBkGvBaZlvTKls9l8gYjDDmHZy6W6PlQaR86vcQDfCLF33iUA5epD97vZ5b/s320/3+-+Cattle+on+stormy+backdrop+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Breathtaking scenery will dominate this post. However a Bald Eagle adult and immature offered some wildlife photos opps.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4B6fcz3C_bdDRx_AmJLG3Ca6l-Z5U-MgvhoXNdZ7YTMI0rPW5JomiEiUv7l-ta9-SvBU7DQpJUohi_7yCVJgIYihvdozWcoQUYClf0N5k0qSSEePIcvg1ucEKPkYudKvWnJ4/s1600/4+-+Bald+Eagle+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4B6fcz3C_bdDRx_AmJLG3Ca6l-Z5U-MgvhoXNdZ7YTMI0rPW5JomiEiUv7l-ta9-SvBU7DQpJUohi_7yCVJgIYihvdozWcoQUYClf0N5k0qSSEePIcvg1ucEKPkYudKvWnJ4/s320/4+-+Bald+Eagle+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPucN066Mh4kclfuplpnUe1H4UCs3n1wl_VvZy29SW53nZoCixOfyXZZ8kYAHmuMMGWG0Bu2NgVB7zPJjQ4ELrMOmhrzT5Ii_RNDj-vlqwNNZ9gk_tBYBMjlCdErdsmJZi3bt/s1600/5+-+Bald+Eagle+in+Flight+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPucN066Mh4kclfuplpnUe1H4UCs3n1wl_VvZy29SW53nZoCixOfyXZZ8kYAHmuMMGWG0Bu2NgVB7zPJjQ4ELrMOmhrzT5Ii_RNDj-vlqwNNZ9gk_tBYBMjlCdErdsmJZi3bt/s320/5+-+Bald+Eagle+in+Flight+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03B9FPuPqZ9xPYI2xKxRN4fD294iC__uJAwSeZIjeVn30WZ5zLazFLm4YDkWSmZ4WnCFBxru-gRV1QEJhgdQkYf-brSvBXZaNd8qdH5XYnd0_i-Mi0k27JDo5TUV4crKFtBX0/s1600/6+-+Young+Bald+Eagle+-+Sept+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03B9FPuPqZ9xPYI2xKxRN4fD294iC__uJAwSeZIjeVn30WZ5zLazFLm4YDkWSmZ4WnCFBxru-gRV1QEJhgdQkYf-brSvBXZaNd8qdH5XYnd0_i-Mi0k27JDo5TUV4crKFtBX0/s320/6+-+Young+Bald+Eagle+-+Sept+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmu-ZtmA1pgE6F3rF8uShAEsBMsHULtcXWgwOH3dIaRVWrQBKxgqnpsYCw4pqNb4LEOfKrybHWB6Rp7k1ZvztBh06Ab1spqJ-PXohX5B4Dr2jYmbht1dUytb4ypYYw0UMHkcO/s1600/7+-+Young+Bald+Pre+Takeoff+-+Sept+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmu-ZtmA1pgE6F3rF8uShAEsBMsHULtcXWgwOH3dIaRVWrQBKxgqnpsYCw4pqNb4LEOfKrybHWB6Rp7k1ZvztBh06Ab1spqJ-PXohX5B4Dr2jYmbht1dUytb4ypYYw0UMHkcO/s320/7+-+Young+Bald+Pre+Takeoff+-+Sept+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LUlVHQ4F3xnvApKcAZDBoV0eHRxg0u_7YSF1MF7ua_djN4f-0e9coQ1l_ZOIZq-YfKr7EeHsKyuFTRUE6BJ55gz8P184nnrsDUoJBLVSuW2vabnBvVMlrD5KAoSEBenxNA9_/s1600/8+-+Immature+Bald+Takeoff+2+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LUlVHQ4F3xnvApKcAZDBoV0eHRxg0u_7YSF1MF7ua_djN4f-0e9coQ1l_ZOIZq-YfKr7EeHsKyuFTRUE6BJ55gz8P184nnrsDUoJBLVSuW2vabnBvVMlrD5KAoSEBenxNA9_/s320/8+-+Immature+Bald+Takeoff+2+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6pFmqic0NkrJjr5mEOv9QCiygMyAQ4_c5D9jVjXP2gSPvhxB5n0tzHNkB0FhFIgXBkCa6zAkodb1ecArFi4RDaXSINYgULcR5PDjKKlZjoMHKufXMSl9lz5wNFoekg7POy6i/s1600/9+-+Immature+Bald+Takeoff+3+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6pFmqic0NkrJjr5mEOv9QCiygMyAQ4_c5D9jVjXP2gSPvhxB5n0tzHNkB0FhFIgXBkCa6zAkodb1ecArFi4RDaXSINYgULcR5PDjKKlZjoMHKufXMSl9lz5wNFoekg7POy6i/s320/9+-+Immature+Bald+Takeoff+3+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYivCz6EcUK9WfUEBUk7pihUMJbg8-E4zfA0EATAd46rBVCHcH-oD9CAZxGeL-Hv3HjwC4ziaEo9OGLvFXif9jbda2nRhywWqixtBdzdkF50Cfv_efO0uf-sCQXNe1-tFhDBQZ/s1600/10+-+Immature+Bald+Takeoff+4+-+Sept+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYivCz6EcUK9WfUEBUk7pihUMJbg8-E4zfA0EATAd46rBVCHcH-oD9CAZxGeL-Hv3HjwC4ziaEo9OGLvFXif9jbda2nRhywWqixtBdzdkF50Cfv_efO0uf-sCQXNe1-tFhDBQZ/s320/10+-+Immature+Bald+Takeoff+4+-+Sept+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>The parent did NOT like us photographing its young. However, the youngster seemed almost curious about these two-legged beasts.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUJagk53PQQhwBXzQwXuh88drKLCN8YbQoLQzusFfFE_Ms49n1LBoTONBtbmYik_L5lUFcCBu9LQuse4GQATM96f3DDvCzF64xprHpJZEq1lF5wMgiule6UvW1UvatAW_ZIzq/s1600/11+-+Nathaniel+-+Sept+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUJagk53PQQhwBXzQwXuh88drKLCN8YbQoLQzusFfFE_Ms49n1LBoTONBtbmYik_L5lUFcCBu9LQuse4GQATM96f3DDvCzF64xprHpJZEq1lF5wMgiule6UvW1UvatAW_ZIzq/s320/11+-+Nathaniel+-+Sept+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazY1ppVRV7YaCUIF0TrEW950pKatMjTBe2U3eM_aEcHTDHlL6DP4xQRfgnVed1sxux5wSYmwGS0oiBpLN4qiFggjORKhTvJEp-dhGCE58JyPIAfNmFVn49WB70Zi96KDHCdSj/s1600/12+-+N+and+thunderhead+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazY1ppVRV7YaCUIF0TrEW950pKatMjTBe2U3eM_aEcHTDHlL6DP4xQRfgnVed1sxux5wSYmwGS0oiBpLN4qiFggjORKhTvJEp-dhGCE58JyPIAfNmFVn49WB70Zi96KDHCdSj/s320/12+-+N+and+thunderhead+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Of course our own young would LOVE to have joined the feathered kind. Sadly, he lacked the wings - but that didn't stop him from enjoying the evening with us.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIiOiOdbg3a5iwhdI59FkuTuZfHpPSA_2Tt1oEJ8ROlprH1u2dCshfxHL_XQkz03kF5-cV82y6oMZgXG3BP9RmU49rlaxfrgka6AUrj0XtWioQgRhshYJG11A_r8A46EEUGj1/s1600/13+-+Fence+and+Thunderhead+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIiOiOdbg3a5iwhdI59FkuTuZfHpPSA_2Tt1oEJ8ROlprH1u2dCshfxHL_XQkz03kF5-cV82y6oMZgXG3BP9RmU49rlaxfrgka6AUrj0XtWioQgRhshYJG11A_r8A46EEUGj1/s320/13+-+Fence+and+Thunderhead+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmfwrD6ado4md7NFbpWelpiUn5Yr-2ib72TZfIyzQo8zeLq6aviy1cC7g9QO_m8FXg5ByffHAbCeUii467HcoTzoDhVN1QUJnbdBxBl3vh3WPd-zZwsbuzwmAqkQAsNv0RTlI/s1600/14+-+Thunderhead+over+Jefferson+-+Sep+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmfwrD6ado4md7NFbpWelpiUn5Yr-2ib72TZfIyzQo8zeLq6aviy1cC7g9QO_m8FXg5ByffHAbCeUii467HcoTzoDhVN1QUJnbdBxBl3vh3WPd-zZwsbuzwmAqkQAsNv0RTlI/s320/14+-+Thunderhead+over+Jefferson+-+Sep+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh456y_ah622-xaPxG-A9Sl3oWnNTz2hLI8ndF5TvBRCCLkq3_8I3BorzomUhE4l6XcFjksxX8EBA4UuOHgo3bQHL6kCkSw13xmUSnXOZ0L-NEHkH3b3NaS-tVZ5xvn2IrWHRaj/s1600/15+-+Hanson+Homestead+-+Jefferson+-+Thead+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh456y_ah622-xaPxG-A9Sl3oWnNTz2hLI8ndF5TvBRCCLkq3_8I3BorzomUhE4l6XcFjksxX8EBA4UuOHgo3bQHL6kCkSw13xmUSnXOZ0L-NEHkH3b3NaS-tVZ5xvn2IrWHRaj/s320/15+-+Hanson+Homestead+-+Jefferson+-+Thead+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPlIYi9UOnZ29D2R_qzzKQ5zfoIz3oD1PRjiVj-ZQaKTLRtraZDqbXhHMADCzxUAdGIBqpriUNM3WazDqxinqVU4984DOHOLyvBXtVIRwWYCSHIKE26k5oy1rbVlr1FCJUGsk/s1600/16+-+Square+Bailer+and+Thunderhead+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPlIYi9UOnZ29D2R_qzzKQ5zfoIz3oD1PRjiVj-ZQaKTLRtraZDqbXhHMADCzxUAdGIBqpriUNM3WazDqxinqVU4984DOHOLyvBXtVIRwWYCSHIKE26k5oy1rbVlr1FCJUGsk/s320/16+-+Square+Bailer+and+Thunderhead+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>A large thunderhead over Jefferson added drama. The old Hanson homestead looked significantly insignificant under this giant mushroom cloud!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmq61HUl4hzkBKMkLJ7Qr5-CmNQ4KrIC_AF0lSpJkcDbnJcVlMEcQxeBjiiJa3pO_2m5Q6bf6bPRdLe2IIi1siJyqfwpbs9XNDwmaiPtACzll-eCr7Vo-w2W2sVKkc-2Y0H_lI/s1600/17+-+Valley+Sunset+from+near+Culver+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmq61HUl4hzkBKMkLJ7Qr5-CmNQ4KrIC_AF0lSpJkcDbnJcVlMEcQxeBjiiJa3pO_2m5Q6bf6bPRdLe2IIi1siJyqfwpbs9XNDwmaiPtACzll-eCr7Vo-w2W2sVKkc-2Y0H_lI/s320/17+-+Valley+Sunset+from+near+Culver+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIa0d0iyyXnhMezXaLWc3A6z4PyonhyRhLLkgER7r4hqhwX6Y05G3YkfYdsjO8nRIvX5Aq9BPsYgW83YRra6Z5qNUy6b5xetDfiRoiApzhVL0rNZ9hDY1jEZOkFC0MmDpSn4Cu/s1600/18+-+Sunset+over+Culver+Pond+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIa0d0iyyXnhMezXaLWc3A6z4PyonhyRhLLkgER7r4hqhwX6Y05G3YkfYdsjO8nRIvX5Aq9BPsYgW83YRra6Z5qNUy6b5xetDfiRoiApzhVL0rNZ9hDY1jEZOkFC0MmDpSn4Cu/s320/18+-+Sunset+over+Culver+Pond+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0sCFIUot-JCWNsd96lDYP6MYfFlAxGZhYjwIx6l5n4u8gC6uhOsasiA2IrgnbYWRQcnhq-OLXm4rkBlpgWDjvnCeqsbSf_75_jUhePrQ4FfWO2wwcQpyrcEH7iBGPHevbzF2/s1600/19+-+Valley+Sunset+from+Culver+Road+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0sCFIUot-JCWNsd96lDYP6MYfFlAxGZhYjwIx6l5n4u8gC6uhOsasiA2IrgnbYWRQcnhq-OLXm4rkBlpgWDjvnCeqsbSf_75_jUhePrQ4FfWO2wwcQpyrcEH7iBGPHevbzF2/s320/19+-+Valley+Sunset+from+Culver+Road+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbOWCPqbZm4XoH0elq53bmKt450tialP8wFV1R_xCQv1lUa0qFPEE_Yo8Yio7n1051tHdlQSqCv1SRKb7jHZ-_Rxs2LT9tihUdcL30GAZFgfUuRt5jeeYtg8ZaFETa6p_EdMF/s1600/20+-+Crescent+Moon+-+Sunset+-+Widgeon+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbOWCPqbZm4XoH0elq53bmKt450tialP8wFV1R_xCQv1lUa0qFPEE_Yo8Yio7n1051tHdlQSqCv1SRKb7jHZ-_Rxs2LT9tihUdcL30GAZFgfUuRt5jeeYtg8ZaFETa6p_EdMF/s320/20+-+Crescent+Moon+-+Sunset+-+Widgeon+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3XUwKzZc-Y5ioHvbpV4Ip-84r11NEd0IFYaxz5UxCNagzd0GAReNBz7RZtxwJPz0MpMfZK8lqkoOeT2srbFF5gY78ImLEIbT7IBVwD_0b6t1mBczd4VNB5bP-cZxcoECn6TJ/s1600/21+-+Crescent+Moon+-+Sunset+-+Widgeon2+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3XUwKzZc-Y5ioHvbpV4Ip-84r11NEd0IFYaxz5UxCNagzd0GAReNBz7RZtxwJPz0MpMfZK8lqkoOeT2srbFF5gY78ImLEIbT7IBVwD_0b6t1mBczd4VNB5bP-cZxcoECn6TJ/s320/21+-+Crescent+Moon+-+Sunset+-+Widgeon2+-+Sep+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>The feeling continued even as daylight faded. As the crescent moon gained power, we snapped a few final images to remind us of our enchanted evening near our Golden Pond!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-69789437512967613762013-09-28T13:48:00.000-06:002013-09-28T13:48:48.458-06:00The Life of Birds<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3qLoeZQOzPweH8jKWYUumZN-6msh1iKfzk-GI_dNyq_2p5RnSNkcVey7IpBmqrtpK-zUrP0-JRM7bIEH0JuesJ4Klw7vImpFmJgWuwY1YH51qn2ZeQpkjv1dT-4EQ6QDeGKz/s1600/0+-+C+-+Smokey+Sunset+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3qLoeZQOzPweH8jKWYUumZN-6msh1iKfzk-GI_dNyq_2p5RnSNkcVey7IpBmqrtpK-zUrP0-JRM7bIEH0JuesJ4Klw7vImpFmJgWuwY1YH51qn2ZeQpkjv1dT-4EQ6QDeGKz/s320/0+-+C+-+Smokey+Sunset+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<P>Sometimes diversity makes the individual disappear. At least it seems that way when it comes to birds. While our summer days are packed with flittering chittering friends, I often scarcely notice. But as our small feathered friends move south, their larger counterparts seem grow more obvious.</P>
<p>Thus, intermingled with my attempts to capture the fleeting fall contrasts, I have found numerous opportunities to also observe (and sometimes photograph) the feathered fluttering fellows who still grace our valley with their presence.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d25701WiZPbI4h5xHxJCA-9_piLH07vX3yiQx6Q7wF7vWYFBEMsz3uNUZKz0mfKaSwmvgNHOLSkUOTtDTFjCufee912w1t5buWLe0qkZGqWxa7AmwudwVTpn0kRIcOLaL4SR/s1600/1+-+Pair+of+Swainson+Young+in+Treetop+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d25701WiZPbI4h5xHxJCA-9_piLH07vX3yiQx6Q7wF7vWYFBEMsz3uNUZKz0mfKaSwmvgNHOLSkUOTtDTFjCufee912w1t5buWLe0qkZGqWxa7AmwudwVTpn0kRIcOLaL4SR/s320/1+-+Pair+of+Swainson+Young+in+Treetop+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlG27nt7JU1PcGbJmZC3MiX1iWkkRWui43dXbChE2x_2139uTeJ2Ej5Myi_f3_fH4r8LC9iqPgaf54pFTN2c4xPfpGpvLgMOMEgqGlNx6wCH6TMHkbbFffocwOX73tCxGFb3h/s1600/2+-+Young+Hawk+on+Post+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlG27nt7JU1PcGbJmZC3MiX1iWkkRWui43dXbChE2x_2139uTeJ2Ej5Myi_f3_fH4r8LC9iqPgaf54pFTN2c4xPfpGpvLgMOMEgqGlNx6wCH6TMHkbbFffocwOX73tCxGFb3h/s320/2+-+Young+Hawk+on+Post+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlnngYZesFTHCqOw8bzfHYk0JhfM4GAvmOmUFNQ7EZEF_Ea5XFwUf32A-BabEWQDk8t-d1S2SjVxAhun5C9YiT84abbKejyFvjerK28kVDXzVvQc9AgYjpMIfaBBBKsFUx5jB/s1600/3+-+Young+Hawk+Dance+-+Aug+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlnngYZesFTHCqOw8bzfHYk0JhfM4GAvmOmUFNQ7EZEF_Ea5XFwUf32A-BabEWQDk8t-d1S2SjVxAhun5C9YiT84abbKejyFvjerK28kVDXzVvQc9AgYjpMIfaBBBKsFUx5jB/s320/3+-+Young+Hawk+Dance+-+Aug+2013.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPNh64pB5VHWxao4swX9NAShY6EexhyphenhyphenJLig52Dfvq_5haShacDdRYnFO-4XsOIydxYxwFgud4MDhup32_NSaUrufkbsaLo_NoR4NMzT4Y9LeK4gtqV4D5YyrY_gsRlFlaGM_5/s1600/4+-+Young+Swainsons+Hawk+on+Post+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPNh64pB5VHWxao4swX9NAShY6EexhyphenhyphenJLig52Dfvq_5haShacDdRYnFO-4XsOIydxYxwFgud4MDhup32_NSaUrufkbsaLo_NoR4NMzT4Y9LeK4gtqV4D5YyrY_gsRlFlaGM_5/s320/4+-+Young+Swainsons+Hawk+on+Post+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS3dEWhGOQY6QkPxgAqq58uhGSZuw2G5y6LehPVrvrD0SPi1dhzI453OJoyJdo-xszym1UjdZLNr4eM4IxJV1Ba2SS42zTfnYXDO-L0LT6eHDhmAIa9glR_S_QnhLB_8GRbTk/s1600/5+-+Young+Swainson+in+tree+top+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS3dEWhGOQY6QkPxgAqq58uhGSZuw2G5y6LehPVrvrD0SPi1dhzI453OJoyJdo-xszym1UjdZLNr4eM4IxJV1Ba2SS42zTfnYXDO-L0LT6eHDhmAIa9glR_S_QnhLB_8GRbTk/s320/5+-+Young+Swainson+in+tree+top+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>The young Swainson's Hawks were by far the most cooperative. In fact, I captured so many images of this beautiful flying predator, I plan to do a complete post focusing on this bird in the near future. It will be fun to see how much we can learn about this particular valley resident.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpzluj0CXVVQW9omnQVN-hEUyaYlQvnz_jMJc63eTXDR2cSj9rYFomOK27_PWoL_BO9VEZIE4RxVmq19s-EheJzkyi7j1m-2eKbpwX-801CF8oqMgZJJsDFsxZhUEe1_-_ey4/s1600/6+-+Screaming+Hawk+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpzluj0CXVVQW9omnQVN-hEUyaYlQvnz_jMJc63eTXDR2cSj9rYFomOK27_PWoL_BO9VEZIE4RxVmq19s-EheJzkyi7j1m-2eKbpwX-801CF8oqMgZJJsDFsxZhUEe1_-_ey4/s320/6+-+Screaming+Hawk+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuQKsjDjhSMtxzeCth4bPaIBMk_bvcGaqJV40XcbCbjaZG35iO5IfCBQRsGjyf5JjfvBAu_FBRnuhRPoudHvQA720-tf4ZLCO3w9VvtFVJeklTAkhg8u3UJzxR3Fm914EC8_6/s1600/7+-+Screaming+Swainsons+Hawk+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuQKsjDjhSMtxzeCth4bPaIBMk_bvcGaqJV40XcbCbjaZG35iO5IfCBQRsGjyf5JjfvBAu_FBRnuhRPoudHvQA720-tf4ZLCO3w9VvtFVJeklTAkhg8u3UJzxR3Fm914EC8_6/s320/7+-+Screaming+Swainsons+Hawk+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Sadly my interest in their young upset the parents. However, their intense attention did give me opportunity to practice my 'birds-in-flight' photography - and to learn I have not mastered this art.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJptlffne306e0MyDtjCiV6zDnRqmbj4OtTELX41sU94dbXHIEKg9Fy8kyJdUuy5BCYwAcgv96OV2YfbNfSKezlu_zxTJ6vTL1ilqRYgwDBfyNL58pxHv9TrMzm9LbBpvpK5QH/s1600/8+-+Red+Tail+Hawk+on+Post+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJptlffne306e0MyDtjCiV6zDnRqmbj4OtTELX41sU94dbXHIEKg9Fy8kyJdUuy5BCYwAcgv96OV2YfbNfSKezlu_zxTJ6vTL1ilqRYgwDBfyNL58pxHv9TrMzm9LbBpvpK5QH/s320/8+-+Red+Tail+Hawk+on+Post+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkBNWfbh6qJEhAKJT4pC-QZuKrIasPnPWedzZ1HP4iAWS00iSOZvore0QONtiREC5dGzlIVMl_PuvJeicPIVp45aiHlVMGFy6kdHVh-k1nQZwtfYc_4mpA-WHgudb-qZFrF4b/s1600/9+-+Two+Eaglets+and+Picnic+Springs+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkBNWfbh6qJEhAKJT4pC-QZuKrIasPnPWedzZ1HP4iAWS00iSOZvore0QONtiREC5dGzlIVMl_PuvJeicPIVp45aiHlVMGFy6kdHVh-k1nQZwtfYc_4mpA-WHgudb-qZFrF4b/s320/9+-+Two+Eaglets+and+Picnic+Springs+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShQlCTOh-SiEGg5Rt_zxg5EJns_fx3Cw71eJeoPJv8KcfZGxqnzzuuL-7W7fDd6TQpegwZvfwvxrPqYrnh-e6uxRsjmE8uFTyhxZ7xXK4SngeYsEUcS3LB6x4kOTRXTEUabWP/s1600/10+-+Raven+Preening+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShQlCTOh-SiEGg5Rt_zxg5EJns_fx3Cw71eJeoPJv8KcfZGxqnzzuuL-7W7fDd6TQpegwZvfwvxrPqYrnh-e6uxRsjmE8uFTyhxZ7xXK4SngeYsEUcS3LB6x4kOTRXTEUabWP/s320/10+-+Raven+Preening+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Of course, Swainson's aren't the only ones still showing off in our backyard. This Red Tailed Hawk posed nicely near the lake's end. These Bald Eagle chicks watched the world from their nest edge before growing bold, spreading their wings - and their horizons. And, the young ravens who fledged weeks ago still enjoy preening along the roadsides.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kPoBaidJ7QKEHu_dPq4vlue9FxJeR4AybxIV6cAaoSTTlcRyjJMJ4n0kIUYiIot5SXLjrmkt3DjVnRrMLXfV0XcrfNf-dX3EzhX7i49Px5ejlAtKz3APeEA9RfDor8IKlwAU/s1600/11+-+Red+Sunrise+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kPoBaidJ7QKEHu_dPq4vlue9FxJeR4AybxIV6cAaoSTTlcRyjJMJ4n0kIUYiIot5SXLjrmkt3DjVnRrMLXfV0XcrfNf-dX3EzhX7i49Px5ejlAtKz3APeEA9RfDor8IKlwAU/s320/11+-+Red+Sunrise+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>And so the sun has set on another lovely month at Elk Lake. Fall is rolling in with winter hard on its heels. Yet, in those calm autumn days before the cold winds howl, we are taking in every aspect possible of our Centennial Valley neighborhood!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-67063136066686067272013-09-12T10:25:00.003-06:002013-09-12T10:25:58.060-06:00The Frog and Toad Catchin' Days of Summer<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgKw7LKwMZwnSzr-933y3oYtBaEnn4zMJ9NZ2rL59-RjB6kilzaOZ0AY6wtRX3Mc7a5yN3YOr1N5RE81e6SgWiWnfVgRLkG-IxQHiDZF2RqdKGGLuDSka8elgSQuBf64_Dj2o/s1600/0+-+N+&+Toad+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgKw7LKwMZwnSzr-933y3oYtBaEnn4zMJ9NZ2rL59-RjB6kilzaOZ0AY6wtRX3Mc7a5yN3YOr1N5RE81e6SgWiWnfVgRLkG-IxQHiDZF2RqdKGGLuDSka8elgSQuBf64_Dj2o/s320/0+-+N+&+Toad+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<P>It has been a busy summer. Yet while the staff and I have been hopping from chore to chore, the younger crew has managed to find the 'real' hoppers. Oh - - - to be young, and free, and . . . dirty (well, maybe the last part doesn't appeal much anymore)!</P>
<p>My excursions have been extremely limited this summer. The days are only so long yet that pile of work just never seemed to diminish. However, as the calendar flipped another page and August rolled into play, I found a few chances to escape and enjoy my wonderous backyard. And, while the birds are flocking and flying, the big game is slowing working its way to the valley floor - and into my camera sights.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9SUdUVmDH4vmcR1Hs31_v6le4tYpNPhF4-barzvDNA5NyP04MR8R6IKo6kx7rB48aX_BsNnrAJxwPohUWIGfnokWCqSOW_2DK2tXml8L0N0p6qXpWBRKIjfDvVPOQkVsr4qE/s1600/1+-+August+Sunrise+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9SUdUVmDH4vmcR1Hs31_v6le4tYpNPhF4-barzvDNA5NyP04MR8R6IKo6kx7rB48aX_BsNnrAJxwPohUWIGfnokWCqSOW_2DK2tXml8L0N0p6qXpWBRKIjfDvVPOQkVsr4qE/s320/1+-+August+Sunrise+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Sunrise - Sunset. To some they just bookend another day. However, to those who look and see - they offer bright promise and peaceful rest.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2SJtpIjhCqFA5FD8L6sY3aq2B5h9qlUmFw_31dO7z-mPa0Q2Uls-JUQWXmoy2qQG4E9UjJrQuHgkBu8vpo2cEwH9Pmg9JOCT_aaNiYtVapJzPVI-v0isyEUMmDhvkvqBa-98/s1600/2+-+Beaver+on+Widgeon+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2SJtpIjhCqFA5FD8L6sY3aq2B5h9qlUmFw_31dO7z-mPa0Q2Uls-JUQWXmoy2qQG4E9UjJrQuHgkBu8vpo2cEwH9Pmg9JOCT_aaNiYtVapJzPVI-v0isyEUMmDhvkvqBa-98/s320/2+-+Beaver+on+Widgeon+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>A beaver pair have appeared at Widgeon - busily building a cozy winter home.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Mxnn9ToLNWD2J-NUGEAh_F1PLt2SjzUD2fCrqovrrs5y1hSUpoyO9eDEtf9cGUoYdwWP5m7Ps9_HaW-zHiweN-dTw4EeaWHKdidmDLWKGz-fkVCxAL1vyJJd_Ae8Y5zu0NSU/s1600/3+-+Fawn+near+Elk+Spring+Crk+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Mxnn9ToLNWD2J-NUGEAh_F1PLt2SjzUD2fCrqovrrs5y1hSUpoyO9eDEtf9cGUoYdwWP5m7Ps9_HaW-zHiweN-dTw4EeaWHKdidmDLWKGz-fkVCxAL1vyJJd_Ae8Y5zu0NSU/s320/3+-+Fawn+near+Elk+Spring+Crk+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoomSnDirH0qhcot9O0TyAcMHI0q9uAYjYkOa7EpsZtYLUFCrkShlJMEXe_REy0cp5pCem0EBhTooLkAb3UZ1-YVG_XW4X9tbjM_UAigboTPaqYuMTyJeWOTe-1gXFHF661oK/s1600/4+-+Mule+Deer+Fawn+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoomSnDirH0qhcot9O0TyAcMHI0q9uAYjYkOa7EpsZtYLUFCrkShlJMEXe_REy0cp5pCem0EBhTooLkAb3UZ1-YVG_XW4X9tbjM_UAigboTPaqYuMTyJeWOTe-1gXFHF661oK/s320/4+-+Mule+Deer+Fawn+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGhS7_Fk5xJwIHPcZ62rzCduA6KPcAhB0HY8G11zl6DLCrc-syjkv_oeTfLBAnLrL5elFyZmiYw3-UXZmHtrWfK0Sqz0e3t2PEQyQsUM5W3MUcLfh748E_kFVZ5mF_2-92YrO/s1600/5+-+Mule+Deer+Buck+in+Velvet+1-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGhS7_Fk5xJwIHPcZ62rzCduA6KPcAhB0HY8G11zl6DLCrc-syjkv_oeTfLBAnLrL5elFyZmiYw3-UXZmHtrWfK0Sqz0e3t2PEQyQsUM5W3MUcLfh748E_kFVZ5mF_2-92YrO/s320/5+-+Mule+Deer+Buck+in+Velvet+1-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPOJH9N7iKu_pvRT08myvCRL_YZMfA5Tq3tojzOZt05GCpoQrgoIUibmqyZIrHUrshkI_f-SuJCcHLfX-LHZvIUoutvxBTNaQljnndsP_iCjoy32b-2d_dQc1GETtsPQORxhy/s1600/6+-+Mule+Deer+in+Velvet+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPOJH9N7iKu_pvRT08myvCRL_YZMfA5Tq3tojzOZt05GCpoQrgoIUibmqyZIrHUrshkI_f-SuJCcHLfX-LHZvIUoutvxBTNaQljnndsP_iCjoy32b-2d_dQc1GETtsPQORxhy/s320/6+-+Mule+Deer+in+Velvet+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>While the deer moved into viewfinder range, trouble billowed on the horizon as the Gravelly Range fire (the largest fire to come anywhere near Elk Lake in the last 10 years) greedily devoured dry timber as it flew before eager winds.
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi372xIFHsdVw6ZyH9m1hsCwrQbXZ_K88DYY1idDuDoICWtGrWirdQ7-MUWuPbHZjgIG1KmvITye36UaISSvuYkKoFMtVqC3Fd7MqgY5uhKzT_zCc7TPM7MPq93k088zWSxxfK4/s1600/7+-+Smoke+from+Eureka+Basin+Fire+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi372xIFHsdVw6ZyH9m1hsCwrQbXZ_K88DYY1idDuDoICWtGrWirdQ7-MUWuPbHZjgIG1KmvITye36UaISSvuYkKoFMtVqC3Fd7MqgY5uhKzT_zCc7TPM7MPq93k088zWSxxfK4/s320/7+-+Smoke+from+Eureka+Basin+Fire+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibycXxLLqt1rH6dsOMgUC1HCDALaIcmuDAzDB2W7S8F67y0a3P4vDYPaFzR-tAdtZTRXMHg5ASf-qHukDEKksZ5Fgm3_BidZUuLdYc-X1XwlJ-KXS0wKbDcyA8Na7RZlizQJg0/s1600/8+-+T+Head+over+YNP+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibycXxLLqt1rH6dsOMgUC1HCDALaIcmuDAzDB2W7S8F67y0a3P4vDYPaFzR-tAdtZTRXMHg5ASf-qHukDEKksZ5Fgm3_BidZUuLdYc-X1XwlJ-KXS0wKbDcyA8Na7RZlizQJg0/s320/8+-+T+Head+over+YNP+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cZIcq9hDgOrU4tGIa0UguPEgznugHPTLnFTC0_ETuLaGwCYAdr8h2meKdvXsoijYNjoG8H-n2ltWqBo90CuLI0-RJbq5fLXNu0Ov-tincouVXDiw1QYxAeHID7h52IaHAxYQ/s1600/9+-+Sun+Peeking+Through+Clouds+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cZIcq9hDgOrU4tGIa0UguPEgznugHPTLnFTC0_ETuLaGwCYAdr8h2meKdvXsoijYNjoG8H-n2ltWqBo90CuLI0-RJbq5fLXNu0Ov-tincouVXDiw1QYxAeHID7h52IaHAxYQ/s320/9+-+Sun+Peeking+Through+Clouds+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Smoke bloomed like deadly flowers on the horizon day after day - or so it seemed. In truth, while the giant thunderheads which produce these fires continued to blow themselves large each afternoon, in their shadow the fire fighters quietly arrested the flaming inferno they spawned. In the end we were left with subdued clouds giving way to blue skies and framing a friendly sun.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZd8JZRMJiMEwrlfW6kVhS-TejUl77VSYRKz5V8BVj3hORVWUHqQ_pos4iB7btp-7TWBF8rXBKz22kPKd5sZKL8XewS2mh1apEUiomMR6ILrcYhFhKhAQrhX2GSk7VI6ettlb/s1600/10+-+Smoke+Enhanced+Sunset+with+plume+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZd8JZRMJiMEwrlfW6kVhS-TejUl77VSYRKz5V8BVj3hORVWUHqQ_pos4iB7btp-7TWBF8rXBKz22kPKd5sZKL8XewS2mh1apEUiomMR6ILrcYhFhKhAQrhX2GSk7VI6ettlb/s320/10+-+Smoke+Enhanced+Sunset+with+plume+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UwriL4-vi3Nf19QAmcl2Sy-rPqEIKpz5j6YNl8zC0KllLPzE0k0F70b1FWtpZ3lZHTFbkZlU0cjtSAU7JPyP2qvjSz7ZzDoGocIJnIjgjR-GKykh1YcJVtbD2c2NvjwBGAPJ/s1600/11+-+A+real+blue+moon+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UwriL4-vi3Nf19QAmcl2Sy-rPqEIKpz5j6YNl8zC0KllLPzE0k0F70b1FWtpZ3lZHTFbkZlU0cjtSAU7JPyP2qvjSz7ZzDoGocIJnIjgjR-GKykh1YcJVtbD2c2NvjwBGAPJ/s320/11+-+A+real+blue+moon+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p> Yet, before the smoke completely dissipated, we enjoyed some magnificent smoke-enhanced sunsets and even a blushing blue moon!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-90829455961866786532013-08-28T15:49:00.000-06:002013-08-28T15:49:10.471-06:00Pronghorn Photo Op<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW90vYkTZDq8ph4J6_SpMfBq9RZuxXOFiroy7Kuf350G6Jm_f7CF5lhlodsQBDCJP8RhMlR6E3yor9Tq0i71jA4sPhvd4cWzUVfNM4Xe678d-SvzYjjjjvPfsT5KUT-Nbmjfpc/s1600/0+-+Dawning+of+another+day+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW90vYkTZDq8ph4J6_SpMfBq9RZuxXOFiroy7Kuf350G6Jm_f7CF5lhlodsQBDCJP8RhMlR6E3yor9Tq0i71jA4sPhvd4cWzUVfNM4Xe678d-SvzYjjjjvPfsT5KUT-Nbmjfpc/s320/0+-+Dawning+of+another+day+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<P>As day after beautiful day dawns in rapid succession, it is easy to be lulled into feeling like it will never end. Yet the signs of fall are in the air - cooler nights, diminishing bird song, increasing wildlife sightings - it all adds up to fall knocking on our door. </P>
<p>Yet as the birds thin out, the big game seems to work its way out of the forest fringes to browse on the green patches left after the sun's rays have browned the majority. Thus sighting these two pronghorn bucks near Elk Springs Creek was not *that* unique. However, their apparent ambivelance to our presence was. Nonetheless, even as the evening light faded, I took advantage of the photo opportunity. They didn't seem to mind.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvj_TbiZx8ddDzNqhraHf067PtNn7MUc77bPJw2rmp2oCJyxMf8Iv9ZlhrfZz8v8g5rJtI9TWy4SsyLV_DTCAXMv5Utwe-5pOA0h4JVy-qRP99JsI5HPUCMHmAJJVpTl9ligDW/s1600/1+-+Pronghorn+Buck+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvj_TbiZx8ddDzNqhraHf067PtNn7MUc77bPJw2rmp2oCJyxMf8Iv9ZlhrfZz8v8g5rJtI9TWy4SsyLV_DTCAXMv5Utwe-5pOA0h4JVy-qRP99JsI5HPUCMHmAJJVpTl9ligDW/s320/1+-+Pronghorn+Buck+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBS9fyueczsBABGzycVRQxjUqupotVrAEaSvuhqL-mQNSryrAkjpSvalpJJFZwbop-auA9i2fU4XW8rsNjopgYuSM6ZRpGOZgf4s5ZKSiDpMwij8Xrr8bbdyYc5RMKsR84N_7/s1600/2+-+Two+Pronghorn+Bucks+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBS9fyueczsBABGzycVRQxjUqupotVrAEaSvuhqL-mQNSryrAkjpSvalpJJFZwbop-auA9i2fU4XW8rsNjopgYuSM6ZRpGOZgf4s5ZKSiDpMwij8Xrr8bbdyYc5RMKsR84N_7/s320/2+-+Two+Pronghorn+Bucks+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltZPVzRmJ0EcQ6vvk79T2tYjz9Ao3EkN3Cqhv49Y2itiWywnAW7l-I9kSkBWyCeWyTg_BORneYk09HDHHD-K0CkTE8-qHV_SNAglRqArhb801QhDdvtt2frQLvqA9P9SLKiMe/s1600/3+-+Young+Pronghorn+Buck+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltZPVzRmJ0EcQ6vvk79T2tYjz9Ao3EkN3Cqhv49Y2itiWywnAW7l-I9kSkBWyCeWyTg_BORneYk09HDHHD-K0CkTE8-qHV_SNAglRqArhb801QhDdvtt2frQLvqA9P9SLKiMe/s320/3+-+Young+Pronghorn+Buck+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNdpwHGLdQK8dy7bRBX90pNv47wJlWbcwLY_xYAKGzqPQa9u_AQp05ZCaCvtd1kuTW0BAMt-P9Tq2cl22Q4h7bJ0Tei9Nb8MxzDjEZUZLzUzxq49wIsHgKfJydmh2pq9wjZJh/s1600/4+-+Two+Pronghorn+Bucks+and+Jefferson+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNdpwHGLdQK8dy7bRBX90pNv47wJlWbcwLY_xYAKGzqPQa9u_AQp05ZCaCvtd1kuTW0BAMt-P9Tq2cl22Q4h7bJ0Tei9Nb8MxzDjEZUZLzUzxq49wIsHgKfJydmh2pq9wjZJh/s320/4+-+Two+Pronghorn+Bucks+and+Jefferson+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwjEi5JYePB9aWQqJw6E_VsMN8HqqXEAQtLU7aMuyMdbi9Y727z0fI0jXNnJWSMhyLAa7uBdf4Av7dfZbTMz2L4SA1KQbNks3sZsK9szawVuueaQrTfTPJnXm49gv11uSO4ML/s1600/5+-+Two+Bucks+Near+Elk+Springs+Crk+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwjEi5JYePB9aWQqJw6E_VsMN8HqqXEAQtLU7aMuyMdbi9Y727z0fI0jXNnJWSMhyLAa7uBdf4Av7dfZbTMz2L4SA1KQbNks3sZsK9szawVuueaQrTfTPJnXm49gv11uSO4ML/s320/5+-+Two+Bucks+Near+Elk+Springs+Crk+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WviwD10SWlspCxZmzeUXtyDbDySMjJDLxjY6T5NBd_AKr9rOTQocDnOavip-GQk1CXfk5kLs-td3JJXVw6fkHSRpEy69uX-1qBT6TWpVhiH25HdfV0rPfxRL4GslW6GJ4amF/s1600/6+-+Young+Buck+&+Jefferson+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WviwD10SWlspCxZmzeUXtyDbDySMjJDLxjY6T5NBd_AKr9rOTQocDnOavip-GQk1CXfk5kLs-td3JJXVw6fkHSRpEy69uX-1qBT6TWpVhiH25HdfV0rPfxRL4GslW6GJ4amF/s320/6+-+Young+Buck+&+Jefferson+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIrEdi2uiR6N4qjJQm91OXwcsayfbaLrUWRgau8VzfDJ9EOfyEsoHT29-3lMNhR7a6P9mUsHbbTG6zai53Nw4AumdO6D1J6F9yvVoTZSZQSeqzgbEFjzZWzPAWZrLOtpAhlxc/s1600/7+-+Pronhorn+and+Jefferson+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIrEdi2uiR6N4qjJQm91OXwcsayfbaLrUWRgau8VzfDJ9EOfyEsoHT29-3lMNhR7a6P9mUsHbbTG6zai53Nw4AumdO6D1J6F9yvVoTZSZQSeqzgbEFjzZWzPAWZrLOtpAhlxc/s320/7+-+Pronhorn+and+Jefferson+-+Aug+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Soon they will flee the hunter's prowess, but until then, I relish 'shooting' their beauty with my favorite 'hunting' instrument - a camera!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-78311640710010390692013-08-10T12:08:00.000-06:002013-08-10T12:08:18.206-06:00An Evening On The Porch<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoMmxlK-ITEQE1QjCfwgEmugcchJkFgxDQIRJihqdRatrmds5XWux9tHHpkU9kJZGJ8HpBDlLYz4i5gY7q95vqfK29d6wwNNwx8VmkHZ9YtxIOsbRm9aSH7JL-E4Vh-oQZEj8/s1600/0+-+Double+Rainbow+Panorama+-+Jul+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoMmxlK-ITEQE1QjCfwgEmugcchJkFgxDQIRJihqdRatrmds5XWux9tHHpkU9kJZGJ8HpBDlLYz4i5gY7q95vqfK29d6wwNNwx8VmkHZ9YtxIOsbRm9aSH7JL-E4Vh-oQZEj8/s200/0+-+Double+Rainbow+Panorama+-+Jul+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<P>One of the amazing things about Elk Lake is a person doesn't even have to leave the front deck to find themselves surrounded by natural beauty - sometimes dynamic even jaw-dropping natural beauty. Thus a few evenings ago I tried to capture a 'piece' of the beauty we all enjoyed while standing on our front porch.</P>
<p>In the mountains, hot summer days often translate into stormy summer nights. However, mountain thunderstorms, while often bearing much needed liquid, are a far cry from a typical rain storm. They usually come bearing gifts: colorful rainbows, towering silver-lined thunderheads, and gorgeous contrasts.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbLhD55EpDWmoqWpaDaPQjwPH6e99qYLcpudTqepUvdqFLgkOG_qMo4wHXnCuWh0qwEQwtM1ryiKB1COZNuwDlweGq8vlQd3J-_6hjt7n6XcOp5r9RAXBrlXHePtP0DgTCGwG/s1600/1+-+Birdhouse+-+Rainbow+-+July+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbLhD55EpDWmoqWpaDaPQjwPH6e99qYLcpudTqepUvdqFLgkOG_qMo4wHXnCuWh0qwEQwtM1ryiKB1COZNuwDlweGq8vlQd3J-_6hjt7n6XcOp5r9RAXBrlXHePtP0DgTCGwG/s200/1+-+Birdhouse+-+Rainbow+-+July+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbr4_M08I89PiciROSZR-Qxpb79QgrcI0IKjEKZu0qiy-_oLkQevbYxz97JNQX2BGLAbkDOzAj0dl0NWznQqbXF6ZWjAQn1FWEjzLLvUYyrGbuc7ms0BLzpW8e-qiAY5RtbIy/s1600/3+-+Dinner+Bell+-+Rainbow+-+July+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbr4_M08I89PiciROSZR-Qxpb79QgrcI0IKjEKZu0qiy-_oLkQevbYxz97JNQX2BGLAbkDOzAj0dl0NWznQqbXF6ZWjAQn1FWEjzLLvUYyrGbuc7ms0BLzpW8e-qiAY5RtbIy/s200/3+-+Dinner+Bell+-+Rainbow+-+July+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mAeOufFEbXG8I5WzNFpG8BgkyoFJXLJF3H_Fol9_p4m_eJbygtQoLmvJ1MvnM_qeUwJipS2RaiLLhALOuE6tv7Atx5LVWiXN2LMMevnsbwpfWYfqLzPsY4y654xMY5-XQi0d/s1600/2+-+Dave+and+Rainbow+over+Cab+5+-++July+2013_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mAeOufFEbXG8I5WzNFpG8BgkyoFJXLJF3H_Fol9_p4m_eJbygtQoLmvJ1MvnM_qeUwJipS2RaiLLhALOuE6tv7Atx5LVWiXN2LMMevnsbwpfWYfqLzPsY4y654xMY5-XQi0d/s200/2+-+Dave+and+Rainbow+over+Cab+5+-++July+2013_2.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>The rainbow seemed to park itself right over Cabin 5 - or maybe it was the knob just behind it, the one we call listening point. Was there a message to be heard?</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFUeEJHF6GEXxpj2Nk-GCmFS98dgRpgSwm2ezSFFXXVFo0UzYlkmgAmomXF9tM9o3QUekU2L8waqNDB0vm-0NdshEXPWLqZrSGSuZW2DT8OiRBWY1crm1lj-8vcsxZUdeGl7g/s1600/4+-+Thunderclouds+and+moon+-+closeup+-+July+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFUeEJHF6GEXxpj2Nk-GCmFS98dgRpgSwm2ezSFFXXVFo0UzYlkmgAmomXF9tM9o3QUekU2L8waqNDB0vm-0NdshEXPWLqZrSGSuZW2DT8OiRBWY1crm1lj-8vcsxZUdeGl7g/s200/4+-+Thunderclouds+and+moon+-+closeup+-+July+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV2vt9EQ250sTpINMYIn8-ZeEjEvBdBElDI6Dyh49qdYGG2DmnzRdbHOvi0joRcHkKA0gYGCiw81GSdX2uX6ln6-Za83WfXG-9N-0vyyapicjuclXnC_UEb-8zLtoDaWijARk/s1600/5+-+Thunderclouds_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV2vt9EQ250sTpINMYIn8-ZeEjEvBdBElDI6Dyh49qdYGG2DmnzRdbHOvi0joRcHkKA0gYGCiw81GSdX2uX6ln6-Za83WfXG-9N-0vyyapicjuclXnC_UEb-8zLtoDaWijARk/s200/5+-+Thunderclouds_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Darks and lights - frowning and smiling - yet all floating on a sea of deep blue - the thunderclouds emphasized the storm's contrasts.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zSoGC9YfLFjee83zNb05ahy4fRpi_WfLmkVCvvPsAgocYHFh0qkKkcWNG1wwiEQ6BJxhm0fON7uFCRPKm6pwH3LA7Pipj2NlqJecmPhp5h8AfKT_GOTuRveaqJZPWQoS6kA8/s1600/6+-+Watching+&+Talking+-+Jul+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2zSoGC9YfLFjee83zNb05ahy4fRpi_WfLmkVCvvPsAgocYHFh0qkKkcWNG1wwiEQ6BJxhm0fON7uFCRPKm6pwH3LA7Pipj2NlqJecmPhp5h8AfKT_GOTuRveaqJZPWQoS6kA8/s200/6+-+Watching+&+Talking+-+Jul+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>So we stood, talking and watching, as the elements spent themselves to a quite end.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5l3vWUbkNs5Ip8Qk4_2RBRet_i_tIUIu-43VSxsJYHqpuhzNdnbACFHkaXPO5aSwhk8MmxW1Dk3e6aJG3BFSpy418kOlFmmxOLS-fLHnNll0yWBOtOM-mU7q1uo1qJWPa_ZJ/s1600/7+-+Old+glory+-+July+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5l3vWUbkNs5Ip8Qk4_2RBRet_i_tIUIu-43VSxsJYHqpuhzNdnbACFHkaXPO5aSwhk8MmxW1Dk3e6aJG3BFSpy418kOlFmmxOLS-fLHnNll0yWBOtOM-mU7q1uo1qJWPa_ZJ/s200/7+-+Old+glory+-+July+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>As many times as I've seen it, I always marvel at the calm after the storm. Tempest past, Old Glory lay relaxed as the last of the storm clouds sauntered by overhead.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Oul3JKKePGMHaMs3LgTOu0U_v8-TKrX2I15SbiUCWXnNKloVkhlPU1kJ4CM-g7d7Ynls8fuyw8ldimbrouzSQgo7FCo_rl1zduJYOdbYzu2PMpW8rmXRJr1MlqtXb20p-K7G/s1600/8+-+Evening+Colors+begin+-++July+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Oul3JKKePGMHaMs3LgTOu0U_v8-TKrX2I15SbiUCWXnNKloVkhlPU1kJ4CM-g7d7Ynls8fuyw8ldimbrouzSQgo7FCo_rl1zduJYOdbYzu2PMpW8rmXRJr1MlqtXb20p-K7G/s200/8+-+Evening+Colors+begin+-++July+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3y4cnUhHPvLu6C3ymWSVAImniaJhm2b_8OR94jZUhwJD2rqrgVZTJxhllB4S7ZaWXnzS_dzHMf-UNdZdQ5hPfqBkqq9kBgQEl5_hd9dVCSle8xIX5IhoC2u3vVbgQIE3lm6u/s1600/9+-+Storm+enhanced+sunset+-+July+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3y4cnUhHPvLu6C3ymWSVAImniaJhm2b_8OR94jZUhwJD2rqrgVZTJxhllB4S7ZaWXnzS_dzHMf-UNdZdQ5hPfqBkqq9kBgQEl5_hd9dVCSle8xIX5IhoC2u3vVbgQIE3lm6u/s200/9+-+Storm+enhanced+sunset+-+July+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>The lingering storm clouds created a perfect canvas for the end-of-day colors. What a lovely image to carry into sleep!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-76375377899474572352013-07-24T16:55:00.001-06:002013-07-24T16:58:45.726-06:00A Hot Day Hike<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdF2XQ3IgEfEpG8sDZtitiKjo-JZ_ibo7IWoGj7qL4NGYG-gLi2TvN2SJf8vguFf9sjcXFzxP76dzG9e3Pipfx7MEG_bCWHBttOczz8tcp-XZZmp2pKjyXsgRDEVHMYCfI_da/s1600/0+-+Setting+Half+Moon+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdF2XQ3IgEfEpG8sDZtitiKjo-JZ_ibo7IWoGj7qL4NGYG-gLi2TvN2SJf8vguFf9sjcXFzxP76dzG9e3Pipfx7MEG_bCWHBttOczz8tcp-XZZmp2pKjyXsgRDEVHMYCfI_da/s320/0+-+Setting+Half+Moon+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<P>As the moon set at the dawning of another HOT day, I prepared to hike. It wasn't a perfect hiking day. After all, it was HOT by 10 am, and I started late. However, over and over I have folks ask me, 'Can I see . . .?' if I come in July (or August)?</P>
<p>While the hottest part of summer is definitely NOT the best time for wildlife viewing (unless you are willing to get up early, stay up late, and climb the highest peaks), I wanted to see just 'what' I could see in the middle of a hot summer day close to Elk Lake.</p>
<p>However, first things first. Where? Logically I decided heavy timber and water were a must! After all, I wanted to 'enjoy' this hike, at least a bit. Yet I wanted to spend my time somewhere other than the hot car. I settled on a couple of spots near Elk Lake and Culver Pond. So, what did I see? Or, more importantly, what could 'you' see?</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_bW5KPyfLE5L_XrkBKbT9DP3L2RedvTa5386-PLbMY4xTwTX_9x5EGT2JcabXZ8Dl3ki6_L1DGGK6D1yHCksDgFEgYuaAlodn_5uJjYITFdoIuy5DSGbqXt3BWgbqo1LzOSP/s1600/1+-+Bitterroot+in+bloom+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_bW5KPyfLE5L_XrkBKbT9DP3L2RedvTa5386-PLbMY4xTwTX_9x5EGT2JcabXZ8Dl3ki6_L1DGGK6D1yHCksDgFEgYuaAlodn_5uJjYITFdoIuy5DSGbqXt3BWgbqo1LzOSP/s320/1+-+Bitterroot+in+bloom+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PZXV_GLgrBOO8ZVf5v9SeF24f7X40qkCp6duTl-_D032s1i7E1vBUOrqqZEHwIYcPXyhX0ktqn_9CWA6DqFHq7rzr7kEnuYV3jlM51P82SEQROLv4QmkR0r3SU-E9qb7syMq/s1600/2+-+Dandelion+Seed+Head+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PZXV_GLgrBOO8ZVf5v9SeF24f7X40qkCp6duTl-_D032s1i7E1vBUOrqqZEHwIYcPXyhX0ktqn_9CWA6DqFHq7rzr7kEnuYV3jlM51P82SEQROLv4QmkR0r3SU-E9qb7syMq/s320/2+-+Dandelion+Seed+Head+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjP1VQ-j0-EA3dBZzws0ivfVd_gLww5cuFDWLs1n4NAwEmxT4RV2JxO4RfR50_dczj92yQt56UtkVsVrUnny16E7bvAYb1KnhCPXXDHVsCnKJ5pyKKdbzAn6y1TGt3yiN54ZN/s1600/3+-+Forest+Fern+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjP1VQ-j0-EA3dBZzws0ivfVd_gLww5cuFDWLs1n4NAwEmxT4RV2JxO4RfR50_dczj92yQt56UtkVsVrUnny16E7bvAYb1KnhCPXXDHVsCnKJ5pyKKdbzAn6y1TGt3yiN54ZN/s320/3+-+Forest+Fern+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>I am always amazed at what people do NOT see. The Montana state flower, the Bitterroot, splashed pretty in pink on the open rocky hillsides. Small and delicate looking, this tough character packs a lot of punch for its little size. Even a simple dandelion glistening spun silver in an intricate pattern against mutted greens is a glorious sample of our highly designed creation. Or, the least expected find - a lush green fern tucked against the dark rock cleft. I never could keep them alive yet they grow in this seemingly inhosipitable (to ferns) place with ease!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1z8Rzv0S-Ce8hoYZdMcqPgCoZsgZ3iImhEkT_s4dqcKzsqO-7oUZMQB3xC5ag9S2OGgh8Bnvz31QoRDapguOMxeQMvkvkHi1E7Ii_kYMEg2mxkH5XVj4TkvOMBdeAdiDME8H/s1600/4+-+Black+&+Yellow+Butterfly+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1z8Rzv0S-Ce8hoYZdMcqPgCoZsgZ3iImhEkT_s4dqcKzsqO-7oUZMQB3xC5ag9S2OGgh8Bnvz31QoRDapguOMxeQMvkvkHi1E7Ii_kYMEg2mxkH5XVj4TkvOMBdeAdiDME8H/s320/4+-+Black+&+Yellow+Butterfly+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrLBv6rGMnN8O0aDP_1LxXyB-twrAFfjNNIi9vy0zdLQNXAgUt5q6K7rnUzQ7CeGf6ICZ3LsiBP9NQF2TQMOr0_6GsYQsY6wgyxyDCosFyub888WQ1DmQMx27swCh19_kXtBJ/s1600/5+-+Brown+Butterfly+on+WIllow+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrLBv6rGMnN8O0aDP_1LxXyB-twrAFfjNNIi9vy0zdLQNXAgUt5q6K7rnUzQ7CeGf6ICZ3LsiBP9NQF2TQMOr0_6GsYQsY6wgyxyDCosFyub888WQ1DmQMx27swCh19_kXtBJ/s320/5+-+Brown+Butterfly+on+WIllow+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOfN6OlPLD0EZOnbVQWfLNnl3NjCVqX-c5AekxSRYnWgyFLgUnzIj0ZJAPJZYCWu9mtptjhlBFxY9mqCx6RUOYad6JN1imbM4IgqXMXld9XDGA3p0aBonRBK0a7I7roJvY2Oc/s1600/6+-+Orange+Butterfly+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOfN6OlPLD0EZOnbVQWfLNnl3NjCVqX-c5AekxSRYnWgyFLgUnzIj0ZJAPJZYCWu9mtptjhlBFxY9mqCx6RUOYad6JN1imbM4IgqXMXld9XDGA3p0aBonRBK0a7I7roJvY2Oc/s320/6+-+Orange+Butterfly+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWN-0wdXkNxiNy4pYDHQrniZ6gpGCBDjEef25y13HYe3OX1KK-b0qg8Xkj1lZMdNYU9Cb7rsl2oi7ewoegYzpGXLZxvlRTBnINphshA7pv2vegk2PFw3gWYaITYSZgw_qxV7p/s1600/7+-+White+Butterfly+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWN-0wdXkNxiNy4pYDHQrniZ6gpGCBDjEef25y13HYe3OX1KK-b0qg8Xkj1lZMdNYU9Cb7rsl2oi7ewoegYzpGXLZxvlRTBnINphshA7pv2vegk2PFw3gWYaITYSZgw_qxV7p/s320/7+-+White+Butterfly+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>In a healthy ecosystem, flowers mean butterflies. And, our system must be healthy for fluttering figures in colorful array danced from posy to posy or darted with surprising speed across my path.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla0y9NSeTHWLDJMJkey01r8CmUr2SPHsc-5fBTHeBzjtupzRHb3vzFhvl0oQ7d5dP3H7B3-dxYghAmNSpebIizxDo9OIT_unRW91DHcogLjEhv40TVqhrp2qNtw67-B-cqRsm/s1600/8+-+Centennial+View+from+above+Culver+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla0y9NSeTHWLDJMJkey01r8CmUr2SPHsc-5fBTHeBzjtupzRHb3vzFhvl0oQ7d5dP3H7B3-dxYghAmNSpebIizxDo9OIT_unRW91DHcogLjEhv40TVqhrp2qNtw67-B-cqRsm/s320/8+-+Centennial+View+from+above+Culver+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>And, as is always the case in my backyard, the scenery brougth great delight. Add a few wildflowers for foreground, a few rough edge crags and ribbons of snow on the peaks - what could be more lovely?</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqluLhM1SCXzEBn8qlUsqROimDFVKxglqNhAzF7uteUDI_8iuuE7oEl9zxYMcvLuWw1Mn7HkhWJHgIjzdDGL-hKqJ9j6bVNxjhsF4F2KWwbAzGvTqjs849LnDR9DCV9fdnvMz/s1600/9+-+Great+Horned+Owl+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqluLhM1SCXzEBn8qlUsqROimDFVKxglqNhAzF7uteUDI_8iuuE7oEl9zxYMcvLuWw1Mn7HkhWJHgIjzdDGL-hKqJ9j6bVNxjhsF4F2KWwbAzGvTqjs849LnDR9DCV9fdnvMz/s320/9+-+Great+Horned+Owl+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBlUOYn3kAsgp7rfGoAXF1acStCTd7V_eN8CboaBRcr8vDJGfYiv0to-7vFvlhenPkQI9bqLCpAB-TWhXCm8WKjoK1SIG0QdBI6U9LCDZeP-Lo_CERbAg_HEB_vZ1YfTMveXe/s1600/10+-+Unhappy+Owl+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBlUOYn3kAsgp7rfGoAXF1acStCTd7V_eN8CboaBRcr8vDJGfYiv0to-7vFvlhenPkQI9bqLCpAB-TWhXCm8WKjoK1SIG0QdBI6U9LCDZeP-Lo_CERbAg_HEB_vZ1YfTMveXe/s320/10+-+Unhappy+Owl+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwqI3Ik-7cy67tG_adBCHrxhdyefiUUZ5I8AX8-T_JJiDmVU4YauoJTY1KT8cEvZ0L1D_OKtQZO-NKGlD8OJfhMsFP0smGvRpgTkMykGnW0eKOI5QlHlysyKQO_vgDhyV9us6/s1600/11+-+White+Crowned+Sparrow+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwqI3Ik-7cy67tG_adBCHrxhdyefiUUZ5I8AX8-T_JJiDmVU4YauoJTY1KT8cEvZ0L1D_OKtQZO-NKGlD8OJfhMsFP0smGvRpgTkMykGnW0eKOI5QlHlysyKQO_vgDhyV9us6/s320/11+-+White+Crowned+Sparrow+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzKXzTY9p2rRRemWxkv9LeWUSylD_ObxXqMPSgPHRcyu3G1MHhUL-r4mTU8wcZyPCXQ_n1Nj5Pu6nxWx7pdyJvdeRiBvwwNeNXr-oZal_tCazx8OMdSETxTy369B9sZYp7Ecj/s1600/12+-+Sapsucker+or+Woodpecker+on+Willows+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzKXzTY9p2rRRemWxkv9LeWUSylD_ObxXqMPSgPHRcyu3G1MHhUL-r4mTU8wcZyPCXQ_n1Nj5Pu6nxWx7pdyJvdeRiBvwwNeNXr-oZal_tCazx8OMdSETxTy369B9sZYp7Ecj/s320/12+-+Sapsucker+or+Woodpecker+on+Willows+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitb1w3wYNK9NenrCAWDT1XOMB4O_fYDx2gqGgdBam4nPgM-IcqvwgT8Q-fM8Fj0BqlgDbMSqIx1VYTljxKQaQzEFw1YWUXbq7blCAhfPfqSs-rhqasiCUXDX7hggnjlFGyjm5m/s1600/13+-+Green+Stripe+Duck+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitb1w3wYNK9NenrCAWDT1XOMB4O_fYDx2gqGgdBam4nPgM-IcqvwgT8Q-fM8Fj0BqlgDbMSqIx1VYTljxKQaQzEFw1YWUXbq7blCAhfPfqSs-rhqasiCUXDX7hggnjlFGyjm5m/s320/13+-+Green+Stripe+Duck+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndueRyc_XDFphU82CcX-BCRFpKVkLViOE6eWahPV-2g-i2mShcFqoVSVGCr9Jr6-3Tq5nOQtZutPJxMBX7FAAt6St6jurtk9e_gxQW0CP17JKksX28hkuzhK21fcAO3ApK3OT/s1600/14+-+Spoonbill+Female+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndueRyc_XDFphU82CcX-BCRFpKVkLViOE6eWahPV-2g-i2mShcFqoVSVGCr9Jr6-3Tq5nOQtZutPJxMBX7FAAt6St6jurtk9e_gxQW0CP17JKksX28hkuzhK21fcAO3ApK3OT/s320/14+-+Spoonbill+Female+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Of course my goal had been to see wildlife, and, in spite of the heat, I was not disappointed. This great horned owl not only pinned his 'horns' but clacked his beak and made some very un-owl-like (to my untrained ears) noises as I passed nearby. The White-crowed Sparrow didn't allow my passage to disturb his lovely song. The Sapsucker kept a wary eye, but continued with his calls and tapping while I snapped his portrait. The ducks splished and splashed, chattered and preened while I cautiously watched their play. The eagle, on the other hand, screamed his agitation - obviously enough irritated I moved on quickly to avoid bothering him any more than I already had.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1qJTUZcHXHN3e0jjQkujxSeRsEUIiN1Yb2p_QGofo5eHqQAghqKXnZ3q3L4KPniKacbpv2DCcJX47CuEiVhSNFnPhzfoAfobUo7wY29nhi5sZHt2dYND-l0QV7vVy0vVj6kf/s1600/15+-+Screaming+Eagle+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1qJTUZcHXHN3e0jjQkujxSeRsEUIiN1Yb2p_QGofo5eHqQAghqKXnZ3q3L4KPniKacbpv2DCcJX47CuEiVhSNFnPhzfoAfobUo7wY29nhi5sZHt2dYND-l0QV7vVy0vVj6kf/s320/15+-+Screaming+Eagle+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxheP1HIOQP0MPqm3eZRDbaH315lh4WvE4REsGHPUi4ejKtHcrxYhAKqNyGL-9AXu9e8YR-eqvNpu8Mme0Wk3-0xCRpxUJQCQzia4nAIGOW0vy6xr2aM29W-Q-NvH_EI5r4DO/s1600/16+-+Screaming+Eagle+in+flight+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxheP1HIOQP0MPqm3eZRDbaH315lh4WvE4REsGHPUi4ejKtHcrxYhAKqNyGL-9AXu9e8YR-eqvNpu8Mme0Wk3-0xCRpxUJQCQzia4nAIGOW0vy6xr2aM29W-Q-NvH_EI5r4DO/s320/16+-+Screaming+Eagle+in+flight+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>The big game was scarce, as I expected. I saw many more tracks and beds and 'sign' than I did animals. However, I did manage to spot a cow elk in deep cover and a Mule Deer doe in a shaded meadow. </p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIs4ipGQ5mCd7upKaGXyla7QtovhX3YniLQd1AXaHaqfKoGUdee0jvnnhpqVvzmSZk-b13plqJFb-IBzW75bxBU6uX8bBfUnB9i1D85Wxf2DX66IYfk7XhUjKEdb0SideADHC/s1600/17+-+Cow+Elk+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIs4ipGQ5mCd7upKaGXyla7QtovhX3YniLQd1AXaHaqfKoGUdee0jvnnhpqVvzmSZk-b13plqJFb-IBzW75bxBU6uX8bBfUnB9i1D85Wxf2DX66IYfk7XhUjKEdb0SideADHC/s320/17+-+Cow+Elk+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixywriC0eJt6moIyw_4cxc-zxemq2M7huIS2aCYVXP90Tfm1-G_1vD-uRCZHR7k8pOeqrbyzWzbIbxUEidAD54yUYot6acbGvw867tDmNE7-N9GkuJ1s-Q3jm9u_ZyibYZVoO-/s1600/18+-+Muley+Doe+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixywriC0eJt6moIyw_4cxc-zxemq2M7huIS2aCYVXP90Tfm1-G_1vD-uRCZHR7k8pOeqrbyzWzbIbxUEidAD54yUYot6acbGvw867tDmNE7-N9GkuJ1s-Q3jm9u_ZyibYZVoO-/s320/18+-+Muley+Doe+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Further proof, given time and patience and good hiking shoes, you can find what you are looking for, even on a HOT summer day!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrB5Bbtpp44uqhsDr53LRUP81cF6QAYfNlphKTLdyxNsQ5S99qbcYWSxJS-E1zPSKMHMf5NrpWwwCnqzp7mI6OZRksK5kOwVpdHTp9CTlc6MZuNRVeVW0MG5HIOXzUuB-M7Tn/s1600/19+-+Eastern+panorama_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrB5Bbtpp44uqhsDr53LRUP81cF6QAYfNlphKTLdyxNsQ5S99qbcYWSxJS-E1zPSKMHMf5NrpWwwCnqzp7mI6OZRksK5kOwVpdHTp9CTlc6MZuNRVeVW0MG5HIOXzUuB-M7Tn/s320/19+-+Eastern+panorama_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Yet even with sweat trickling down my brow, the thought of a cold drink and lunch awaiting my return, and the hot sun beating down overhead, I had to pause long enough on a high exposed ridge to capture the beauty at my feet. The eastern end of the Centennial Valley lying placid and green under deep blue summer skies is a view of which I never tire.</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-41821954953788658532013-07-04T10:51:00.000-06:002013-07-04T10:51:10.437-06:00Sunset And The Super Moon<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipI3KuY_ezm6UCSdnFNWPg-1LwnL5vNTyi9JdqEaZoi6y9Ur7v3S_zWPqNgjNOWwDqMfWHwNHub_H16TIgwQkuzC7KmJGbYZ-st74BOYWlTmfUulKtWQ-1NyiuhyGRkQEbhHRL/s1106/0+-+Supermoon+panorama+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipI3KuY_ezm6UCSdnFNWPg-1LwnL5vNTyi9JdqEaZoi6y9Ur7v3S_zWPqNgjNOWwDqMfWHwNHub_H16TIgwQkuzC7KmJGbYZ-st74BOYWlTmfUulKtWQ-1NyiuhyGRkQEbhHRL/s1106/0+-+Supermoon+panorama+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<P>While I settled into 'rest' mode, my dear hubby headed out to capture some images of the 2013 supermoon. Combine an abundance of glorious creation with the eye of a photographer and what do you get? Awesome images!</P>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBvPXcDoMCfQb0zRZ_TNctuMKUW5ao_YsXK9L6_kvL31SYDkZmKIFIXBIx8XaDWhBXkBNxY4Af60kzZHVF1ig1N0oQSuD6HFvURsUApc299HN9kyPKBthGvWceVzQXgSUZxH5/s601/1+-+Moon+&+Sawtelle+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBvPXcDoMCfQb0zRZ_TNctuMKUW5ao_YsXK9L6_kvL31SYDkZmKIFIXBIx8XaDWhBXkBNxY4Af60kzZHVF1ig1N0oQSuD6HFvURsUApc299HN9kyPKBthGvWceVzQXgSUZxH5/s601/1+-+Moon+&+Sawtelle+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1hbBO6XHO6BGRuqkE5Wgf6GTTIYT7S0bfZEPD-aqmStyr6UUvlDMybajcn9yTsKo5Qe-nyKPavS0lUgVxLCUOQ6G7-Nohwbg13GSXSjfjlOgxgzMRKik2WPHSdYFtsFTcVWa/s664/2+-+Moon+Over+Sawtelle+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1hbBO6XHO6BGRuqkE5Wgf6GTTIYT7S0bfZEPD-aqmStyr6UUvlDMybajcn9yTsKo5Qe-nyKPavS0lUgVxLCUOQ6G7-Nohwbg13GSXSjfjlOgxgzMRKik2WPHSdYFtsFTcVWa/s664/2+-+Moon+Over+Sawtelle+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>The setting sun gilded the mountains and clouds in glorious rust colors as the moon rose, large and luminous above Sawtelle.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgP8SRut_WHN1PyPZ0sf52vorLqqlF1-I1bKT5Ud7t9ZkNSdhyphenhyphenphrKl5brmttzBX0BKJu0Gelu7LtBrBwsxjgDImMoxlk6KLrapEYBUMe5dhfUOzvsSM6i3CXMh5G_riLbMS9S/s601/3+-+Super+Moon+and+Moutains+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgP8SRut_WHN1PyPZ0sf52vorLqqlF1-I1bKT5Ud7t9ZkNSdhyphenhyphenphrKl5brmttzBX0BKJu0Gelu7LtBrBwsxjgDImMoxlk6KLrapEYBUMe5dhfUOzvsSM6i3CXMh5G_riLbMS9S/s601/3+-+Super+Moon+and+Moutains+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>The sun lifted off the mountains, the clouds caught the fleeting rays and held them as they blushed pink and gold.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87C9K3nIV8V-okJgPnrVRksBDG6uADC-NBcxHY-C4Z1QaTlOXk6cmN8W1wAa5Jajj0W5oBC10s2j-hXQg1Yn0gkdgcxFJxGd32sE6LU6kaJgzMdRCgAFVioKgnjTA6bVFOL6A/s601/4+-+Widgeon+-+Swans+-+Super+moon+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj87C9K3nIV8V-okJgPnrVRksBDG6uADC-NBcxHY-C4Z1QaTlOXk6cmN8W1wAa5Jajj0W5oBC10s2j-hXQg1Yn0gkdgcxFJxGd32sE6LU6kaJgzMdRCgAFVioKgnjTA6bVFOL6A/s601/4+-+Widgeon+-+Swans+-+Super+moon+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRYDMA-RS-oz_mznVXO1bz0ecohswEaYzKNdDnnHESNfGDlqtN42NS7FX9giXA2cP3G1gG4jbqF1Tco7bRBHPZGi5YT1l3Je9FXHeMw8Rbwqjg4EvM5Qaoz_1Gy7yMW-yJZxO/s601/5+-+Moon+Over+Wigdeon+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRYDMA-RS-oz_mznVXO1bz0ecohswEaYzKNdDnnHESNfGDlqtN42NS7FX9giXA2cP3G1gG4jbqF1Tco7bRBHPZGi5YT1l3Je9FXHeMw8Rbwqjg4EvM5Qaoz_1Gy7yMW-yJZxO/s601/5+-+Moon+Over+Wigdeon+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>As the dusk strengthened, Widgeon Pond reflected back the moon's rays with surprising strength. Thus another glorious Montana day came to its quiet resting place!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-44330949652567388392013-06-29T12:08:00.000-06:002013-06-29T12:08:10.996-06:00Poking Around Elk & Widgeon<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcATpHjq9N21Pf3rXJJSPoQYLcHNFRVNWWFwAqA5UTQoW-PUj1aX-qCVmxQa3ljSFK3srxyNvoxvrABsqzR2qXZlr8L_DFbonwtEQKZtxWzMqeIGjewlfDAIOXTD-eNvU-jAY/s993/0+-+Elk+Lake+Spring+Panorama+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcATpHjq9N21Pf3rXJJSPoQYLcHNFRVNWWFwAqA5UTQoW-PUj1aX-qCVmxQa3ljSFK3srxyNvoxvrABsqzR2qXZlr8L_DFbonwtEQKZtxWzMqeIGjewlfDAIOXTD-eNvU-jAY/s993/0+-+Elk+Lake+Spring+Panorama+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<P>What can be more delightful than an evening spent quietly meandering around a watercourse teaming with wildlife - especially if one has a good camera and lens? Little I can imagine. Especially this time of year when life is so abundant - and young are starting to appear. Thus I have been grabbing my lens and whatever time allows and poking around the ends of Elk Lake and Widgeon Pond.</P>
<p>Bird life is abundant, as expected. I shared some of my findings in the last post. However, fish and other critters thrive in these waters. Here is a sampling:</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX7-j8qcJowtKfbLmHU0rLmqN716rR3imInKbVB5AjIL6SumPAK0B5IiwnESE4aL-lx_x5JRfDZ9YlfYUNzmCtotGI_jgrVmKyClokgq2zQIYiMamYiWqeaAS9Fable6m398x/s600/1+-+Grayling+-+Elk+Lake+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX7-j8qcJowtKfbLmHU0rLmqN716rR3imInKbVB5AjIL6SumPAK0B5IiwnESE4aL-lx_x5JRfDZ9YlfYUNzmCtotGI_jgrVmKyClokgq2zQIYiMamYiWqeaAS9Fable6m398x/s600/1+-+Grayling+-+Elk+Lake+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQS7KWjbjSGbLRUra3xqnNh208hJmtlGeTqY-5QZoE6DvkNxMVYXf2G46Rr7rl0nepmSiceDc-FqlZcqErYn9q6yN38m7QLtystLKlQvYgnSw3JhDOhgnC_pYGGTLXWdjNXr5/s600/2+-+Luke+&+Westslope+Cut+-+Elk+Lake+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQS7KWjbjSGbLRUra3xqnNh208hJmtlGeTqY-5QZoE6DvkNxMVYXf2G46Rr7rl0nepmSiceDc-FqlZcqErYn9q6yN38m7QLtystLKlQvYgnSw3JhDOhgnC_pYGGTLXWdjNXr5/s600/2+-+Luke+&+Westslope+Cut+-+Elk+Lake+-+Jun+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>They are not the easiest to photograph in their habitat. However, when removed from their comfort zone, we can capture their beauty. Here are some nice examples of the two most common finned residents of Elk Lake.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVa-0cYA4XlILd7e49nRw-x1JmW2rChBGO81nglB2rILRceMmR7l2FsDpiHJf7NX8f3ENDLc5WtCHMQkF2q2aEkhd5c7R-K4A-WCsJKcqb1FZp1sledBFboZd3c-v_IwO1Zkt/s615/3+-+Otter+&+Pond+Vegetation+-+Widgeon+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVa-0cYA4XlILd7e49nRw-x1JmW2rChBGO81nglB2rILRceMmR7l2FsDpiHJf7NX8f3ENDLc5WtCHMQkF2q2aEkhd5c7R-K4A-WCsJKcqb1FZp1sledBFboZd3c-v_IwO1Zkt/s615/3+-+Otter+&+Pond+Vegetation+-+Widgeon+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U6Op2m2jnT4Gw4NN4P3FJ_XgUzI061LRUH4QS2mYQiis8xjGIT8G-3INLtNH-5hKTxnFgfXn-X5otTytPlr60AyuXkw-aXInaqsBy57-N6ZzWiGNKEVD0YHn0zT9EywbUWAO/s744/4+-+Curious+Otter+-+Elk+Lake+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-U6Op2m2jnT4Gw4NN4P3FJ_XgUzI061LRUH4QS2mYQiis8xjGIT8G-3INLtNH-5hKTxnFgfXn-X5otTytPlr60AyuXkw-aXInaqsBy57-N6ZzWiGNKEVD0YHn0zT9EywbUWAO/s744/4+-+Curious+Otter+-+Elk+Lake+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>There is no love loss between the two-legged predators of our finned water residents and these whiskery four-legged omnivores. While their diets definitely include fish, they also enjoy vegetation (as seen in the first picture above). Furthermore, they are such fun, social, and curious critters - I can't help but enjoy their company!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsUvNgFsYEVwwxZSj9g7cI2fODF-Q3s4ImgK4babRAYaAh8yVv1iMNEY65mg25x5DqoMZZwlYhWzqDokHHgXp8Gf27TAgMhQSUVXdgTM8VVnEUWeiKp8wXnqcIw2OFaN5Q22z/s572/5+-+Bird+on+Wire+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsUvNgFsYEVwwxZSj9g7cI2fODF-Q3s4ImgK4babRAYaAh8yVv1iMNEY65mg25x5DqoMZZwlYhWzqDokHHgXp8Gf27TAgMhQSUVXdgTM8VVnEUWeiKp8wXnqcIw2OFaN5Q22z/s572/5+-+Bird+on+Wire+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div> </p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4UYjlU5BzcpSJzn3vv6YSwbGfQ_8dEdFDlapdEtpUsUFo8Mj8i-WKxu6LV0oAiLNJ3Dt5mM9hjzQ1IXIWJkK7SYuFHok0rTSoHNnRWXJglCA4bZagTjLy13fthnRqRG_Wzba/s652/6+-+Ducks+on+Island+-+Widgeon+Pond+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4UYjlU5BzcpSJzn3vv6YSwbGfQ_8dEdFDlapdEtpUsUFo8Mj8i-WKxu6LV0oAiLNJ3Dt5mM9hjzQ1IXIWJkK7SYuFHok0rTSoHNnRWXJglCA4bZagTjLy13fthnRqRG_Wzba/s652/6+-+Ducks+on+Island+-+Widgeon+Pond+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div> </p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_54iBaoAjmXz-2naN-qKXy0zqlgC-WZy_bIuHEnayrtkKIdiKn3QoOa3LhhebFg2u90LuK-pHxguuEJCcwvjOMAR7LOKBsKVFbFH3g95jHAb2Q1Aa1zFT1kc4AKkhQSq4BDwi/s764/7+-+Bufflehead+Pair+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_54iBaoAjmXz-2naN-qKXy0zqlgC-WZy_bIuHEnayrtkKIdiKn3QoOa3LhhebFg2u90LuK-pHxguuEJCcwvjOMAR7LOKBsKVFbFH3g95jHAb2Q1Aa1zFT1kc4AKkhQSq4BDwi/s764/7+-+Bufflehead+Pair+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div> </p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavVO-hC3k7QqelnkdfzDHXz9ADpm5HmQNRPY2cchdIe5bGg3KWWLdIiowALK2JxCKStMyUpezJFBb2xbLOoV1ODgVxxVdUNNAYc2oQwl017sQZRkpPG8jGm_2AjANsjrAA7aE/s676/8+-+Mallard+Pair+on+Log+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavVO-hC3k7QqelnkdfzDHXz9ADpm5HmQNRPY2cchdIe5bGg3KWWLdIiowALK2JxCKStMyUpezJFBb2xbLOoV1ODgVxxVdUNNAYc2oQwl017sQZRkpPG8jGm_2AjANsjrAA7aE/s676/8+-+Mallard+Pair+on+Log+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div> </p>
<p>And, of course, there are the birds - of every size, shape, color, and personality. Water fowl (and those living near the water) are the most colorful of our Centennial Valley feathered friends - which makes them more than worthy subjects.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZib2RgHaQEFy1JAHmS1OrzfbOY-X-c72nM26wfHVP0q764icYZToXTDN2TkFPonSU1KBhyphenhyphen_pPilKMjUvtvtIhifdRIl3OGI0f_CRayW4iDqWsK2fjIIjc9cr1lLUYHYhdYKoq/s601/9+-+Widgeon+Pond+at+Sunset+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZib2RgHaQEFy1JAHmS1OrzfbOY-X-c72nM26wfHVP0q764icYZToXTDN2TkFPonSU1KBhyphenhyphen_pPilKMjUvtvtIhifdRIl3OGI0f_CRayW4iDqWsK2fjIIjc9cr1lLUYHYhdYKoq/s601/9+-+Widgeon+Pond+at+Sunset+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>As another day ends in the Centennial, I once again thank God for the opportunity to enjoy such beauty in my very own backyard! </p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-42706974103881182442013-06-20T14:33:00.001-06:002013-06-20T14:33:27.904-06:00Shooting The Wing<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQImiAuLn8Fb5copNNjV-AR_8arCD3-dPus4ieGJM7YxM5UhtaCz6jfOFj2uLyv2G5v7MaloVBkvBR0S1RhTNxP9kbJjSFXavBI3_JsUleUO9z69zON4Rhw_DhyZ0kekVIZNAc/s1600/0+-+Curious+Sage+Rate+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQImiAuLn8Fb5copNNjV-AR_8arCD3-dPus4ieGJM7YxM5UhtaCz6jfOFj2uLyv2G5v7MaloVBkvBR0S1RhTNxP9kbJjSFXavBI3_JsUleUO9z69zON4Rhw_DhyZ0kekVIZNAc/s400/0+-+Curious+Sage+Rate+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<P>If the eye were a lens, and the brain a shutter, what images I could share with you! How often I lament my inability to capture so much of the beauty which accompanies my every waking moment. Yet, like the proverbial optomist, I continue to shoot and click - hoping, I suppose, some day to <em>really</em> have a half-full glass of the best-of-the-best to share with you. </P>
<p>Anyone who has pursued the winged creations knows the frustration. They are abundant. Any daylight hour, any season there is some flittering or fluttering, twittering or buzzing passerby tempting me to run outside and play chase! However, I am always 'it'. They are ever elusive. Thus when I capture a few decent images, I feel like I've really accomplished something.</p>
<p>Here are a couple dozen of the hundreds shot within the last week or so. Okay, so the first little guy doesn't really qualify, but, you have to admit he's cute - and he does look like he's curious to know what I'm going to post!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZU9w8AugpSvAwyGF3vrxFWbpzCsQXMRMQvzM9wIvvAoXLKGPNv804mlTwsRKfFbsgSI4tS3PqRQRdcJtwKLZcnntxYSS5dcjGF8hyUiDMpWkRFlVej96av8EV80nyX2DVUUt/s1600/1+-+Audubon+Warbler+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZU9w8AugpSvAwyGF3vrxFWbpzCsQXMRMQvzM9wIvvAoXLKGPNv804mlTwsRKfFbsgSI4tS3PqRQRdcJtwKLZcnntxYSS5dcjGF8hyUiDMpWkRFlVej96av8EV80nyX2DVUUt/s400/1+-+Audubon+Warbler+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqCcuIaq76CQBb8NqzxOMMv0rAt9_oDzLxoPjFSKarnFYw9w-NNBinA7WTCnm-UOqiWXgVhgQxk331x-39QF-dZgu_b75NOi3J9pFajS-U89Q-P2bNkOOxVPCZcr_yfROdD_j/s1600/2+-+Blackbird+on+Sage+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqCcuIaq76CQBb8NqzxOMMv0rAt9_oDzLxoPjFSKarnFYw9w-NNBinA7WTCnm-UOqiWXgVhgQxk331x-39QF-dZgu_b75NOi3J9pFajS-U89Q-P2bNkOOxVPCZcr_yfROdD_j/s400/2+-+Blackbird+on+Sage+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfSnlgOx1TdTKQ41ihowEijbf0OFste1wjsBKM4DuGD52-ZktYcgw4armYlCXTdk2sm1Gqs2VGmwaboHSGR4lIrcAtVlTqAxj8MF_yjlYgJ9ZCcOYb0twcWO8-l5jJ0choZAA/s1600/3+-+Blue+Heron+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfSnlgOx1TdTKQ41ihowEijbf0OFste1wjsBKM4DuGD52-ZktYcgw4armYlCXTdk2sm1Gqs2VGmwaboHSGR4lIrcAtVlTqAxj8MF_yjlYgJ9ZCcOYb0twcWO8-l5jJ0choZAA/s400/3+-+Blue+Heron+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK6JVlKsGIoBwZ5kP6fx8yDu09S3rnK3END9XABtE68xhuIYvT2g063nCIn8MtwWSAwDpbJ0bL_BbCUhSX7n0tlmd97XApICjChdMuVaEOd6xwJazq-Q0vQ8Nd-mCl3cuGrki/s1600/4+-+Heron+in+flight+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK6JVlKsGIoBwZ5kP6fx8yDu09S3rnK3END9XABtE68xhuIYvT2g063nCIn8MtwWSAwDpbJ0bL_BbCUhSX7n0tlmd97XApICjChdMuVaEOd6xwJazq-Q0vQ8Nd-mCl3cuGrki/s400/4+-+Heron+in+flight+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBqmUDMUTBZ3boOEDJiTvvphSfc5Boe5TYNnjUKo0I0FcMSIXkEh4SRwp_2QgYgePumTuzHFugyp_GVDP5EMydZ9GSKwh6FGZX4GNJ4WYUZ6VNYxJioq5ghgJAdKhOL-qLJDk/s1600/5+-+Northern+Harrier+in+flight+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBqmUDMUTBZ3boOEDJiTvvphSfc5Boe5TYNnjUKo0I0FcMSIXkEh4SRwp_2QgYgePumTuzHFugyp_GVDP5EMydZ9GSKwh6FGZX4GNJ4WYUZ6VNYxJioq5ghgJAdKhOL-qLJDk/s400/5+-+Northern+Harrier+in+flight+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy61VUqNK4Y0Ajkj_p-KeyKRbtin-oaEzsTTpCyGNoUdE2u-s8lwN-845vULNRlFPAiYDkfvt6T8z2dx394VJkIJ3lAQzdGp_nrhUdfrBZ7p5-f58kE3ZKUx2cRNcsTNPRe8ny/s1600/6+-+Butterfly+on+Willow+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy61VUqNK4Y0Ajkj_p-KeyKRbtin-oaEzsTTpCyGNoUdE2u-s8lwN-845vULNRlFPAiYDkfvt6T8z2dx394VJkIJ3lAQzdGp_nrhUdfrBZ7p5-f58kE3ZKUx2cRNcsTNPRe8ny/s400/6+-+Butterfly+on+Willow+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Birds in flight are particularly challenging. Obtaining the proper elevation from which to capture them at a good angle is better than half the challenge. Thus I was particularly pleased with my shot of this Northern Harrier.</p>
<p>Of course birds are not the only critters with wings. Catching a prone butterfly can also stretch, if nothing else, one's patience. Catching one highlighted by back or low side lighting - that is nothing short of pure luck!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFJzBXgzBobyVpZ9Iou7_0wanx483i5vCZN_yGJRO0A5CxgGFVjk-rITWAlXk6-WDjxQ7eIGt8cb9I2u0kzOtW2BcvFc1t0FjdxD3P4pCpwIWXmKyQz259C27uvfrlffpjiQr/s1600/7+-+Colorful+Bird+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFJzBXgzBobyVpZ9Iou7_0wanx483i5vCZN_yGJRO0A5CxgGFVjk-rITWAlXk6-WDjxQ7eIGt8cb9I2u0kzOtW2BcvFc1t0FjdxD3P4pCpwIWXmKyQz259C27uvfrlffpjiQr/s400/7+-+Colorful+Bird+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vl3nl-QExWi4NTMLNPt8ZHIvFZUsej_s6uOg6VHItvkkWNUyt0UvnLQw78Vdx3_cnrEi08bBbidnEk6Dor2aiNeEaaIqQFXEDFrpjS7sp9zy8IrgrePSIPYaAs3bsAsdvr_x/s1600/8+-+Dove+on+Post+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vl3nl-QExWi4NTMLNPt8ZHIvFZUsej_s6uOg6VHItvkkWNUyt0UvnLQw78Vdx3_cnrEi08bBbidnEk6Dor2aiNeEaaIqQFXEDFrpjS7sp9zy8IrgrePSIPYaAs3bsAsdvr_x/s400/8+-+Dove+on+Post+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYT1wtHlzUd0j3i77-Xp3xTT_x-kTlXjRNRyRT7LWDTflYbyRpo7yhi2jC2eOmJluZr7eAOmQbwxYhboOyy9ojs1war-Ytfd6xgG-OCHrjhPM7Zm06ToX4Mpq3MGUL7iVNjA6/s1600/9+-+Female+Yellow-headeed+Blackbird+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYT1wtHlzUd0j3i77-Xp3xTT_x-kTlXjRNRyRT7LWDTflYbyRpo7yhi2jC2eOmJluZr7eAOmQbwxYhboOyy9ojs1war-Ytfd6xgG-OCHrjhPM7Zm06ToX4Mpq3MGUL7iVNjA6/s400/9+-+Female+Yellow-headeed+Blackbird+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNpBD_bD9gvOpngz16OFuPeVhjm6j5j06c-JErdtuVB8tfuX5t3hxO9Mz4mjdYm-y_H0GEaGEruSWpgb1GTvF2SdJsTjR7P9QNMfJ7cHUaGC6UppUgNGnfZjiSKFj6-ZWOJ2m/s1600/10+-+Hawk+on+Fence+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNpBD_bD9gvOpngz16OFuPeVhjm6j5j06c-JErdtuVB8tfuX5t3hxO9Mz4mjdYm-y_H0GEaGEruSWpgb1GTvF2SdJsTjR7P9QNMfJ7cHUaGC6UppUgNGnfZjiSKFj6-ZWOJ2m/s400/10+-+Hawk+on+Fence+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMMqYLK1KvmH7NWIp73Z9AzwFJBbz-oP5qMOXxXDyUQIuQUIRH5M4qWG3E1k-qmMch8No-7hz6cbrg-WLPG0d9W5suuYhIGowkJmd0KxbBZTydg-Am6xPpSY8-OVsgUxqvyQ4/s1600/11+-+Heron+in+Tree2+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMMqYLK1KvmH7NWIp73Z9AzwFJBbz-oP5qMOXxXDyUQIuQUIRH5M4qWG3E1k-qmMch8No-7hz6cbrg-WLPG0d9W5suuYhIGowkJmd0KxbBZTydg-Am6xPpSY8-OVsgUxqvyQ4/s400/11+-+Heron+in+Tree2+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqpIT8_XAwoanozKskck7NWT740Iiexuzljbi_zZ1ftOH6pBniMnW5zHMOxIK4_LbGzSisbgw-yhfEQm7Up6yu2TvuKrjbY-x9HFvmj0sbh-deqJnc_6JDTYnhYWnuIBak-8h/s1600/12+-+Heron+in+tree+-+June+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqpIT8_XAwoanozKskck7NWT740Iiexuzljbi_zZ1ftOH6pBniMnW5zHMOxIK4_LbGzSisbgw-yhfEQm7Up6yu2TvuKrjbY-x9HFvmj0sbh-deqJnc_6JDTYnhYWnuIBak-8h/s400/12+-+Heron+in+tree+-+June+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Anyone who follows Elk Lake's Facebook page is familiar with the Heron who comes to dinner. Our spawning trout have become a Heron (and Eagle) smorgesboard. It is when they do not consume what they kill that I get upset. So, while I *loved* the photo opp, I was also giving him the evil eye!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGjoLG6Btl-otNSI7vbtmPA7W9xBysnlzf9Jt0qKNaUhMGQdOm-mNzwzVDYlTWuJovB_WygGl4Nz3YmBFrrh-2Iqzyx08wZSZ4__g7bxYHELtx0jQpHQAkhiZNdSRsZ2fzl-l/s1600/13+-+Duck+Nest+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGjoLG6Btl-otNSI7vbtmPA7W9xBysnlzf9Jt0qKNaUhMGQdOm-mNzwzVDYlTWuJovB_WygGl4Nz3YmBFrrh-2Iqzyx08wZSZ4__g7bxYHELtx0jQpHQAkhiZNdSRsZ2fzl-l/s400/13+-+Duck+Nest+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnsVAP7mUelaBGq6p5rEHljHtg_L_6jtClhaUECSOa-li7vPh3VBx1UrnKlm6fsh2_gyiYSBIlPWcIgWjPFLRQbPY2OQByjEfcvf-m9IAw1swuymk1tL2H0kpPP-IoxfXWHM3/s1600/14+-+Kestral+on+branch+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnsVAP7mUelaBGq6p5rEHljHtg_L_6jtClhaUECSOa-li7vPh3VBx1UrnKlm6fsh2_gyiYSBIlPWcIgWjPFLRQbPY2OQByjEfcvf-m9IAw1swuymk1tL2H0kpPP-IoxfXWHM3/s400/14+-+Kestral+on+branch+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYOoPFu_tYQPthXo_L1-svqbXqhlGByj6Av_xvy7SXIlhrtmKX0BQAjxH70aLX1r7jt2TlTN8msR2pKoPTERIw6Hwp6p0knvqbuTDmNhTmON6u_7SdmqgFfDmztgwEemCTSnm/s1600/15+-+Lone+Sandhill+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYOoPFu_tYQPthXo_L1-svqbXqhlGByj6Av_xvy7SXIlhrtmKX0BQAjxH70aLX1r7jt2TlTN8msR2pKoPTERIw6Hwp6p0knvqbuTDmNhTmON6u_7SdmqgFfDmztgwEemCTSnm/s400/15+-+Lone+Sandhill+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6k4mRgAVlNCAQLc9FT2nxtXPcyr29rdf58TTsQJWsvDgy78pHYtjcdsRH41pwRS3iyaWRcC0TzLEXixubWB5WlWC_YkmD2cqsinZFgYURvJlcHK_dMG9LhPr0MLoHGi75sVRE/s1600/16+-+Male+Yellow+Headed+Blackbird+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6k4mRgAVlNCAQLc9FT2nxtXPcyr29rdf58TTsQJWsvDgy78pHYtjcdsRH41pwRS3iyaWRcC0TzLEXixubWB5WlWC_YkmD2cqsinZFgYURvJlcHK_dMG9LhPr0MLoHGi75sVRE/s400/16+-+Male+Yellow+Headed+Blackbird+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0A-rNOVmxBmzzDqSvJgNfJmzd6m5Fjtft68RqtfERScpfbV5UsT3GA9MIK2tbeK8JzpkLb3GMO5i4uN-U4_BaGkW22G_wE7kd5a4-R324yVr5FKObo5IHYElWcMQVt6yvhp-/s1600/17+-+Two+Red+Necked+Grebes+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0A-rNOVmxBmzzDqSvJgNfJmzd6m5Fjtft68RqtfERScpfbV5UsT3GA9MIK2tbeK8JzpkLb3GMO5i4uN-U4_BaGkW22G_wE7kd5a4-R324yVr5FKObo5IHYElWcMQVt6yvhp-/s400/17+-+Two+Red+Necked+Grebes+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjZpz-SO9L1Lp5eqrR7gs2gq0qDYyXn1tloeMbfyzcyfQdzjWSJECC_r9vGJcLKiqKoUhOmFiUlKLi9FrQBqrKSqMD2VbxPzUzC49plTwcwEC53f5dH1_-Fi0A2j6TVjDgRF1/s1600/18+-+Small+Bird+on+branch+at+Widgeon+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjZpz-SO9L1Lp5eqrR7gs2gq0qDYyXn1tloeMbfyzcyfQdzjWSJECC_r9vGJcLKiqKoUhOmFiUlKLi9FrQBqrKSqMD2VbxPzUzC49plTwcwEC53f5dH1_-Fi0A2j6TVjDgRF1/s400/18+-+Small+Bird+on+branch+at+Widgeon+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0L2zAzvMXU6BVA6AloqWJi7WNKXg9GIkJ7ed3CHrMph3bCHlQa3bvYkW5TMLUdeSd8Lz08AGGCm4N96HBcEgALayulB4Wpl0PQ65FEMhD_9mXxBsLzUNSuwAW4DMyqfQfIwq/s1600/19+-+Male+Grouse+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0L2zAzvMXU6BVA6AloqWJi7WNKXg9GIkJ7ed3CHrMph3bCHlQa3bvYkW5TMLUdeSd8Lz08AGGCm4N96HBcEgALayulB4Wpl0PQ65FEMhD_9mXxBsLzUNSuwAW4DMyqfQfIwq/s400/19+-+Male+Grouse+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Of course, not every bird photo opp presents itself 'on-the-wing' or in my backyard. In fact, not every one has even hatched (that was my 'first' duck nest find in the last 10 years)! Yet each and every one is special - if for no other reason than the images it evokes in my mind - sights, smells, sounds, the wind in my face, the light on the hillside - whatever the setting, whenever the moment. Each is another slice of life, a tidbit to be treasured, found only at Elk Lake!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8cc-DdJ2at5r8hUygnZoWwUNGP4R_DDekvNr67ExONiWMzmRFT4Z9bkvhQNspituUT_QJ65ktCDWGgxZByKf1OJrbgZSXkKjqEaJD5yXzMj0t0QBjHZqs3l6Lf2IyQYeLtid/s1600/20+-+Rosy+Lines+Sunset+-+June+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8cc-DdJ2at5r8hUygnZoWwUNGP4R_DDekvNr67ExONiWMzmRFT4Z9bkvhQNspituUT_QJ65ktCDWGgxZByKf1OJrbgZSXkKjqEaJD5yXzMj0t0QBjHZqs3l6Lf2IyQYeLtid/s400/20+-+Rosy+Lines+Sunset+-+June+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>So ends yet another series of gorgeous days at Elk Lake. I hope, wherever this summer finds you, you also are observing (and perhaps capturing) the beauty outside your door!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-20905045404795345822013-06-13T12:44:00.001-06:002013-06-13T12:44:51.710-06:00Early Summer Menagerie<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqO3OpmJhqDen78BwZzifM-X5xLiEzaMAaJGGqThw_0qqIyGZJU29O6WFYeMmAvx2HutuLnC2agZKFoTHRpmAymjq_6YByx9av3aLMumvSglLgoOmcyWy-0ltHY9KqX6ntuE3Y/s1600/0+-+RR+Creek+Overflow+and+Jefferson+-+June+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqO3OpmJhqDen78BwZzifM-X5xLiEzaMAaJGGqThw_0qqIyGZJU29O6WFYeMmAvx2HutuLnC2agZKFoTHRpmAymjq_6YByx9av3aLMumvSglLgoOmcyWy-0ltHY9KqX6ntuE3Y/s400/0+-+RR+Creek+Overflow+and+Jefferson+-+June+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<P>Every day brings new sights and sounds to my pristine waking world. Wildlife has returned in mass, turning my quiet backyard into a cacophony. Familiar landscapes take on new colors. Clouds drop to add mystery then raise to float like cotton candy on dark blue jelly. Critters scitter across my path or stop to ponder this odd-looking two legged creature. And, as always, my camera clicks - sometimes even capturing what I think I see!</P>
<p>So, it is time to add more photos from the last few weeks - mountain vistas, wildlife, familiar faces, and even a few images of the buggy kind.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRyi5ivsZ-lDH2xNaNqRuyKZ0uuppZ7oSy8pAf9YV7RlYsUZxcDeBZshNQ536GE8K5qKyJmpL1ZQ8jz0iS0eY82hG0cQ_7vSQdzn6XeiXHCq7OMhX2J8v__JdOD5euvnHq6ww/s1600/1+-+Clouds+On+Centennials+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRyi5ivsZ-lDH2xNaNqRuyKZ0uuppZ7oSy8pAf9YV7RlYsUZxcDeBZshNQ536GE8K5qKyJmpL1ZQ8jz0iS0eY82hG0cQ_7vSQdzn6XeiXHCq7OMhX2J8v__JdOD5euvnHq6ww/s400/1+-+Clouds+On+Centennials+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Oive5Hl5z3DS8Zob-ADjZLdLGB-iEcPhf8vFFl0Gv-2cekU4xIbPf_57GCqh6yrQ4R83P9szhN4b7yjnxCeiae4JJb3BRzcf8V1OOWfR0tnlqFMHSB4UGargxZydLW2J1mg9/s1600/2+-+Elk+Lake+&+Madisons+in+Clouds+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Oive5Hl5z3DS8Zob-ADjZLdLGB-iEcPhf8vFFl0Gv-2cekU4xIbPf_57GCqh6yrQ4R83P9szhN4b7yjnxCeiae4JJb3BRzcf8V1OOWfR0tnlqFMHSB4UGargxZydLW2J1mg9/s400/2+-+Elk+Lake+&+Madisons+in+Clouds+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQEwVCFtkzQg30knh2ENn_-OOtGsWjU0jl-PaunbPgvV766aoqjni_WsKQqXJnh7Tn2Rvpd3QGHVe3JKXdLl3Jg18x-p-uzJjUgyZ2gusr9A8tVhLF_L5yaOqhQh3xqYRIcq8/s1600/3+-+Hidden+Lake+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQEwVCFtkzQg30knh2ENn_-OOtGsWjU0jl-PaunbPgvV766aoqjni_WsKQqXJnh7Tn2Rvpd3QGHVe3JKXdLl3Jg18x-p-uzJjUgyZ2gusr9A8tVhLF_L5yaOqhQh3xqYRIcq8/s400/3+-+Hidden+Lake+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_aoQXWMBrpkBOXGiwrCGzOISd-yGQzOuZ8ZoFjceR0JfxBbINu4jGxMuHz3LlIvARi8kkfxWJ6k0n3xJb8ESfNs8Ok1GOAzmzh14Z_gChCAG5BYyRPJLMSon1F4oESWRlxq-/s1600/4+-+Lichen+Waterfall+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_aoQXWMBrpkBOXGiwrCGzOISd-yGQzOuZ8ZoFjceR0JfxBbINu4jGxMuHz3LlIvARi8kkfxWJ6k0n3xJb8ESfNs8Ok1GOAzmzh14Z_gChCAG5BYyRPJLMSon1F4oESWRlxq-/s400/4+-+Lichen+Waterfall+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>I have decided half the 'trick' of good photography is learning to see. The other half is pure luck! With scenic vistas, cloud backdrops, and brilliant color splashes, I am challenged to not miss the trees in such a magnificent forest!</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGlCNOwWAWwgOBW8LXllkCwcMv4L-vBPUjAU4CDph45JmEqHxwq5b27nUUoiPoJG04n350M4rj7UGHRRdmtAHDl1ZMiJg5snYW3Vw1kH2nzdLSplxA2TBCGN2h5GjCmDl0Oib/s1600/5+-+Elk+Lake+Grayling+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGlCNOwWAWwgOBW8LXllkCwcMv4L-vBPUjAU4CDph45JmEqHxwq5b27nUUoiPoJG04n350M4rj7UGHRRdmtAHDl1ZMiJg5snYW3Vw1kH2nzdLSplxA2TBCGN2h5GjCmDl0Oib/s400/5+-+Elk+Lake+Grayling+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhYHBEcpTNZIIKTWWOjR5d059S88kwhIza6tJJapbRbaxGq_pIT5UWoh7dLYQkHtKVWJnsClitL0-eWgaCUE-wr147yznnod2RzVP4Fi-e3-R54P9shY0i6sJ_c2du7b49nL1/s1600/6+-+Elk+Lake+Westslope+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhYHBEcpTNZIIKTWWOjR5d059S88kwhIza6tJJapbRbaxGq_pIT5UWoh7dLYQkHtKVWJnsClitL0-eWgaCUE-wr147yznnod2RzVP4Fi-e3-R54P9shY0i6sJ_c2du7b49nL1/s400/6+-+Elk+Lake+Westslope+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>Of course, Elk Lake doesn't just 'look' pretty. It provides some spectacular fish habitat. Look at that Grayling! Our fish project is clearly working.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGH5weFUXbp6dxBYOOQV5zGe4no3VDreLy7QO7tupZ7aY3Kj2RhsTtkj7RMfSrYu_o06AFh2UBo0gJF-vYRvyNkM5LOLEZdg_PGT61HrboVY9WU1VKALQXEUNg1tgjo7GRxG_/s1600/7+-+Bo+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGH5weFUXbp6dxBYOOQV5zGe4no3VDreLy7QO7tupZ7aY3Kj2RhsTtkj7RMfSrYu_o06AFh2UBo0gJF-vYRvyNkM5LOLEZdg_PGT61HrboVY9WU1VKALQXEUNg1tgjo7GRxG_/s400/7+-+Bo+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>There's always room to add another picture of my favorite hiking pal. I'm not sure who enjoys our excursions more. Watching him bounce and jump by my side for the first 100 feet or so, listening to him 'talk' as I gather my gear, and just watching him soak it in is like icing on an already delicious cake!
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPotBhsap_40ag1JVThwph5gPiEulVN1fAqPgHW3PEKjeuIcT-F5yGf0pnZPKQwcw1utofgRuim8Jd53KlakVkqOjkczic1ZVN4g8RyqjfqmOmXMAQWAbWb-P15QBmj9YcqZP/s1600/8+-+Ant+Hill+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPotBhsap_40ag1JVThwph5gPiEulVN1fAqPgHW3PEKjeuIcT-F5yGf0pnZPKQwcw1utofgRuim8Jd53KlakVkqOjkczic1ZVN4g8RyqjfqmOmXMAQWAbWb-P15QBmj9YcqZP/s400/8+-+Ant+Hill+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQfjwsPMlIsFNIW1K6keDfpalgJjhBFnxbB9T8GtyeeRdGXeaqJeNyEub_zLdGmwplQ5wc72w97FwIQyffLUnacS7X5a7KtphvMx27MYtH4vH_VjmbJE9m2TC-ZzKNKpcSz1f/s1600/9+-+Maggots+on+Skull+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQfjwsPMlIsFNIW1K6keDfpalgJjhBFnxbB9T8GtyeeRdGXeaqJeNyEub_zLdGmwplQ5wc72w97FwIQyffLUnacS7X5a7KtphvMx27MYtH4vH_VjmbJE9m2TC-ZzKNKpcSz1f/s400/9+-+Maggots+on+Skull+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>When I think about it, I am amazed <em>any</em> bugs survive our winter. Top that with a short season to 'make-a-livin', and it's no wonder they are obviously busy.</p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXNUOL7dimN3c1il_5dlyM8uBXPFrk5cQxSJ5lc880zM8sRTqtB9JWOhUozuAQ0TbRMvVw4Nz5hfLmxyw-T3o6QCuMR1n07OC_vXb0DD6OciGOvw6DRicCrY1_BAiyId3qWhj/s1600/10+-+Muley+Doe+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXNUOL7dimN3c1il_5dlyM8uBXPFrk5cQxSJ5lc880zM8sRTqtB9JWOhUozuAQ0TbRMvVw4Nz5hfLmxyw-T3o6QCuMR1n07OC_vXb0DD6OciGOvw6DRicCrY1_BAiyId3qWhj/s400/10+-+Muley+Doe+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiuFvdRLw0RlHIP5j4_KN5Jz4oATNGUSIdRcg513vbtHfD8iclmdCnaQhBBQTy1rgOnXz0vCSzBTkmZxpiF59PMJHDXmhbjmbjazNeq-XsWh_f2hRKHrUceOF0mFVediT0Aoh/s1600/11+-+Two+Mule+Deer+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiuFvdRLw0RlHIP5j4_KN5Jz4oATNGUSIdRcg513vbtHfD8iclmdCnaQhBBQTy1rgOnXz0vCSzBTkmZxpiF59PMJHDXmhbjmbjazNeq-XsWh_f2hRKHrUceOF0mFVediT0Aoh/s400/11+-+Two+Mule+Deer+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5aHGORHtcJQAAaSF2B81Q6K3J7W1Bwk3bpzuNOAnTB-p04y84HsmTGAts32EItR250SqDyXhUd1B6TVHuKhoygr2dIylfHJNK9K9yzMR5pT-kfcMNIksg8-9jLpeIAa9343A/s1600/12+-+Wolf+on+Elk+Kill+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5aHGORHtcJQAAaSF2B81Q6K3J7W1Bwk3bpzuNOAnTB-p04y84HsmTGAts32EItR250SqDyXhUd1B6TVHuKhoygr2dIylfHJNK9K9yzMR5pT-kfcMNIksg8-9jLpeIAa9343A/s400/12+-+Wolf+on+Elk+Kill+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FFH_jNE1hubMb2rCm4ckKnpxFICSCUs-8Z-iY0YezLIqoF87e0tf6vZVDLnfaAzPGfTtShF14i80iRbw84CCynHFmuZ4aQfl4jg_uz5LgHyUt6hU5kGh_hKAYJSALReXamrM/s1600/13+-+Two+Wet+Bull+Elk+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FFH_jNE1hubMb2rCm4ckKnpxFICSCUs-8Z-iY0YezLIqoF87e0tf6vZVDLnfaAzPGfTtShF14i80iRbw84CCynHFmuZ4aQfl4jg_uz5LgHyUt6hU5kGh_hKAYJSALReXamrM/s400/13+-+Two+Wet+Bull+Elk+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qZ9vpXbGF_1AvqCcmoOIJXk46R7QTSC3fVOPrjCP7bZAat1Yo18pxS3VNMSiLZrf1ijWAg3vLaJYJ8oFz0QvWSufFlga9qGtDj2N6SgJcIHIZmCqLf6Zr1YEIC8sI6i_9xZk/s1600/14+-+Elk+and+Jefferson+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qZ9vpXbGF_1AvqCcmoOIJXk46R7QTSC3fVOPrjCP7bZAat1Yo18pxS3VNMSiLZrf1ijWAg3vLaJYJ8oFz0QvWSufFlga9qGtDj2N6SgJcIHIZmCqLf6Zr1YEIC8sI6i_9xZk/s400/14+-+Elk+and+Jefferson+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></div></p>
<p>The deer and elk have returned. The wolves are still here. Did you know the elk always proceed the deer, but the deer are the first to leave? And, yes, there is a story behind those blurry elk. Check out our Facebook page if you are curious. Can you find the elk in the last photo? </p>
<p>Life at Elk Lake has settled in to its summer routine. Isn't it nice to know some things (sometimes even the BEST things) never change?</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-49287902099683235682013-06-07T12:13:00.000-06:002013-06-07T12:13:11.888-06:00Late Spring Photo Montage<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQX0I1sqlSdTJJ0EXvgKLmW4EiF5NklomZ_1E1KcdnPDae7ltame_sExiRlxBGbZCAYjwlOs16_qQPcleMW4698ePeWxIxFq6FYwKoRVpAJWFhCdFj4HeskEsvKpAJpmkWbb8F/s1600/0+-+Elk+Lake+-+Resort+-+Centennials+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQX0I1sqlSdTJJ0EXvgKLmW4EiF5NklomZ_1E1KcdnPDae7ltame_sExiRlxBGbZCAYjwlOs16_qQPcleMW4698ePeWxIxFq6FYwKoRVpAJWFhCdFj4HeskEsvKpAJpmkWbb8F/s320/0+-+Elk+Lake+-+Resort+-+Centennials+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<P>Just because I have been up to my elbows in pre-season chores, do not assume I have not enjoyed my 'favorite' part of ELk Lake - its wild and wooly outdoors! While my posting has been sporadic, my photo finger has been busy recording remembrances for another day.</P>
<p>So, while my blog posts have developed a stutter, do not interpret that to mean I'm less engaged with this land I love. In fact, if you grow weary of waiting for my next installment, drop on over to our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elk-Lake-Resort/46718097181" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. Here you can pick up a 'daily dose' of Elk Lake - be it food, wildlife, or just the abounding natural beauty.</p>
<p>Today, I leave you with some of my favorite 2013 late spring memories. Enjoy!</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFv0OtMadHsctBbsrKbQbRjeruZgJ0aMLChh6a1trcC6HrMx8UI6VNeorGTG3Mbe2iJDRLBfeq6M8-HgKBeDZ6OLr-tHoOiPxptbKMvUp8k_xfXGM1DTp3X5uQDM8cqz58rJi/s1600/1+-+Early+Buttercups+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFv0OtMadHsctBbsrKbQbRjeruZgJ0aMLChh6a1trcC6HrMx8UI6VNeorGTG3Mbe2iJDRLBfeq6M8-HgKBeDZ6OLr-tHoOiPxptbKMvUp8k_xfXGM1DTp3X5uQDM8cqz58rJi/s320/1+-+Early+Buttercups+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENJrqu7Kj6GvIf-XMt52w1eHEBKkJ4tBruSEEd-Uw8k4VZd8GQl1P1W6Hf40Uj1srhsKXBT1RYlCw82faPKSQiPJEfwHEwYWeTbtffbW4zycL6inDb7kYsQalkFDSGdiZYRtE/s1600/2+-+Two+Sugarbowls+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENJrqu7Kj6GvIf-XMt52w1eHEBKkJ4tBruSEEd-Uw8k4VZd8GQl1P1W6Hf40Uj1srhsKXBT1RYlCw82faPKSQiPJEfwHEwYWeTbtffbW4zycL6inDb7kYsQalkFDSGdiZYRtE/s320/2+-+Two+Sugarbowls+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnirDnO7zLTcRrUC1lhelcQzCS9sungJpmFtC5R3Urvp-DDgQwV5YqKnvmLLaV6438AyL5lt5Qm_W2eZ5IWEBhTZwL514E8Wb4VbFJV6NapXbYaSIhD-CdZkLxF9WnOzQX9f-q/s1600/3+-+Arrowleaf+Balsamroot+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnirDnO7zLTcRrUC1lhelcQzCS9sungJpmFtC5R3Urvp-DDgQwV5YqKnvmLLaV6438AyL5lt5Qm_W2eZ5IWEBhTZwL514E8Wb4VbFJV6NapXbYaSIhD-CdZkLxF9WnOzQX9f-q/s320/3+-+Arrowleaf+Balsamroot+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVSBpZRxH-F9Rbrn4bYHWfmtQujvwzOlu2js5Ds25CwKfPa7XyCkrx7QdTZ5euff4QpKqWLOr-4QEGEHHCIqmhIXWB8tsViB9no04_y-4IAxarlcBr4qoet6-1nEzI_kOUgWZ/s1600/4+-+First+Arrowleaf+Balsamroot+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVSBpZRxH-F9Rbrn4bYHWfmtQujvwzOlu2js5Ds25CwKfPa7XyCkrx7QdTZ5euff4QpKqWLOr-4QEGEHHCIqmhIXWB8tsViB9no04_y-4IAxarlcBr4qoet6-1nEzI_kOUgWZ/s320/4+-+First+Arrowleaf+Balsamroot+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8TUnBsEIWzkX9diwGpb8MOMe11WZZggzIQN590mprbv64sTq9hysmUl8pI_BTFqYkwCNPo1gaRHjBsgB5Ih471-6KonxJqbbNvb0gUcznOi9zBlIfiWUYku3AEkAylEgJL1_/s1600/5+-+Pasqueflower+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8TUnBsEIWzkX9diwGpb8MOMe11WZZggzIQN590mprbv64sTq9hysmUl8pI_BTFqYkwCNPo1gaRHjBsgB5Ih471-6KonxJqbbNvb0gUcznOi9zBlIfiWUYku3AEkAylEgJL1_/s320/5+-+Pasqueflower+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFoCXI2g78WD5naCmXagxLPE_1whzZ8Tlq0bVYaqoIbD3qOH-DFuDWV3HFB_oGruKIZMoXjYB2XH5oQdKhgEEBcQOe3aju7vResyue0AGYDfWpM-bLrhzyrZpZt-ndKB8GeuH/s1600/6+-+First+Kitten+Tails+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFoCXI2g78WD5naCmXagxLPE_1whzZ8Tlq0bVYaqoIbD3qOH-DFuDWV3HFB_oGruKIZMoXjYB2XH5oQdKhgEEBcQOe3aju7vResyue0AGYDfWpM-bLrhzyrZpZt-ndKB8GeuH/s320/6+-+First+Kitten+Tails+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>The wildflowers are coming on strong. Forgive the double time given to the Arrowleaf Balsamroot. They are such a show-off, and it seems I've become a co-conspirator!</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2ZJ27u1tkzicn1exm03-y8P2xOEK4w97cJEOcBHR_yBxD2zOZdRYAVdNOvIwbvjOnm_wVZcabD3-KcC9E2RLF6XKGX1R_wjMUT3F1aVUPC2xSUXx9fuNuRsJvWfhPXY6L4Y-/s1600/7+-+The+dawning+of+another+gorgeous+day+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2ZJ27u1tkzicn1exm03-y8P2xOEK4w97cJEOcBHR_yBxD2zOZdRYAVdNOvIwbvjOnm_wVZcabD3-KcC9E2RLF6XKGX1R_wjMUT3F1aVUPC2xSUXx9fuNuRsJvWfhPXY6L4Y-/s320/7+-+The+dawning+of+another+gorgeous+day+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybslc5Vg1RIC4PzLO4SNm2KKQ5NYeOlu1tYUj_wLASNbnyxUbSoXeTv61DpYyjH9v4TU2BIn6w3QJCQ4drp7u_hGFcWXk25cEniq3lElxDgOu9JFP4YHr4ZopAAvXJqRVb6JQ/s1600/8+-+Centennials+-+May+2013_1_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybslc5Vg1RIC4PzLO4SNm2KKQ5NYeOlu1tYUj_wLASNbnyxUbSoXeTv61DpYyjH9v4TU2BIn6w3QJCQ4drp7u_hGFcWXk25cEniq3lElxDgOu9JFP4YHr4ZopAAvXJqRVb6JQ/s320/8+-+Centennials+-+May+2013_1_1_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEr32orOA7j8Z5tX_mx55V120QH9uqdJC9mK02hermxngL9kckslU_jVrimE2iB3xXA7FkFw09XyTCqeOZP8bUAqywqw8fkYoGww8YAoOomoNfWmpvsWyU6aHQTwZGaGae8NJZ/s1600/9+-+Cabin+One+Sping+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEr32orOA7j8Z5tX_mx55V120QH9uqdJC9mK02hermxngL9kckslU_jVrimE2iB3xXA7FkFw09XyTCqeOZP8bUAqywqw8fkYoGww8YAoOomoNfWmpvsWyU6aHQTwZGaGae8NJZ/s320/9+-+Cabin+One+Sping+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaZvkzISpn88set9r2Wc__vi0rqXq42PE4z8BD0QjwvN5hHjCbCj2YLupGy-92Zv0XVDoqy8xWOLRW5HTdZA9EpiBPrTl_CeWnCdLucjChZuFycUz91eX-rkGf9ixF58aLM6R/s1600/10+-+First+Morning+Back+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaZvkzISpn88set9r2Wc__vi0rqXq42PE4z8BD0QjwvN5hHjCbCj2YLupGy-92Zv0XVDoqy8xWOLRW5HTdZA9EpiBPrTl_CeWnCdLucjChZuFycUz91eX-rkGf9ixF58aLM6R/s320/10+-+First+Morning+Back+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWALH_c07FiOHwoZwBnnLeTZ2k4NIS5XSb2j37e9gyDPDPmvDu0AZiLfWdWYwi_2DRLQ-LBQ5hOa0OFURi1e7Kg2ncrmeFNtz0w4bmE6WMRRWy0XYgroAdEgCeTtjvYM9-t4f/s1600/11+-+Narrows+Creek+Pond2+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWALH_c07FiOHwoZwBnnLeTZ2k4NIS5XSb2j37e9gyDPDPmvDu0AZiLfWdWYwi_2DRLQ-LBQ5hOa0OFURi1e7Kg2ncrmeFNtz0w4bmE6WMRRWy0XYgroAdEgCeTtjvYM9-t4f/s320/11+-+Narrows+Creek+Pond2+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Obviously spring is coming round beautifully here on the home front. I love the way the sunshine warms the fresh new life giving it a glow only seen this time of year.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDz0Gbc1H0MW2rKN5yy9q04WWzTqAt_aD0Sk215GySoz47tdnyK4qPFeZrHN7XHSdVgygrocXh7viStN95drhGj6AR2l-1Jbh2Pmb04peb5H3qmDnqTj7SDkZdhdofy3V0FjFN/s1600/13+-+Elk+Lake+From+Above+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDz0Gbc1H0MW2rKN5yy9q04WWzTqAt_aD0Sk215GySoz47tdnyK4qPFeZrHN7XHSdVgygrocXh7viStN95drhGj6AR2l-1Jbh2Pmb04peb5H3qmDnqTj7SDkZdhdofy3V0FjFN/s320/13+-+Elk+Lake+From+Above+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iyxGXlgrFFrsFcq4VD8PY-BV23pusffwXd56nKQ6UmLTKgve2JGwuE65a1Ng85IcuJGm9BhStHVBXgi6yZOCNkdcRxpREM4oAE6aNpTkXR-3ZyOPmdJjpYqDqbjNMH7zyt2C/s1600/14+-+Bo+-+Lake+-+Jefferson+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iyxGXlgrFFrsFcq4VD8PY-BV23pusffwXd56nKQ6UmLTKgve2JGwuE65a1Ng85IcuJGm9BhStHVBXgi6yZOCNkdcRxpREM4oAE6aNpTkXR-3ZyOPmdJjpYqDqbjNMH7zyt2C/s320/14+-+Bo+-+Lake+-+Jefferson+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhff4sJJsiWycZcnzA8nKf5UORTEL6IjkTgu3bGs-F1FMxpGiveX_B-r8tzhGJCqBnuwksEzwsZr_tzGnRbM9dLcqya_vs5Gwuh9Uo-0oAk3EG9TP1cH5VTp1tkT-tLMSsa6U/s1600/15+-+Aspens+&+Clouds+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhff4sJJsiWycZcnzA8nKf5UORTEL6IjkTgu3bGs-F1FMxpGiveX_B-r8tzhGJCqBnuwksEzwsZr_tzGnRbM9dLcqya_vs5Gwuh9Uo-0oAk3EG9TP1cH5VTp1tkT-tLMSsa6U/s320/15+-+Aspens+&+Clouds+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Climb high. Climb low. Wander over open hill and threw hoary draw. It matters not. Everywhere I turn, spring has taken hold. Some places it is crawling slowly across the meadows. In others it is chipping away, drip by drip, at winter's last fortress on mountain's high.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6V9kR0Ljb9P7HKK7TVcOBNZgJbKs8s847YKn35uetRXFbbHK2IryJEvHb18bQFGzFLX8_poO3ylDfK5gck7_beDf-O5cnUAhaSnm1M7EEoQiyMDNa4HU227xtN0tag1OMzna/s1600/16+-+Riding+Home+-+May+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6V9kR0Ljb9P7HKK7TVcOBNZgJbKs8s847YKn35uetRXFbbHK2IryJEvHb18bQFGzFLX8_poO3ylDfK5gck7_beDf-O5cnUAhaSnm1M7EEoQiyMDNa4HU227xtN0tag1OMzna/s320/16+-+Riding+Home+-+May+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzjoeimX-DcsXnw10UIRHz1co0efP4XCepCkFRfbzr1TuFKZsbwkDD8BbgrQA-6LY56DUOHh55jxb6e58q-dsPa_3DF_7f1gi4y1_5Ti7D2_qYyLyQLhw3Ih1-IKqu7WGd-x9/s1600/17+-+Elk+Lake+Spring+Panorama+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzjoeimX-DcsXnw10UIRHz1co0efP4XCepCkFRfbzr1TuFKZsbwkDD8BbgrQA-6LY56DUOHh55jxb6e58q-dsPa_3DF_7f1gi4y1_5Ti7D2_qYyLyQLhw3Ih1-IKqu7WGd-x9/s320/17+-+Elk+Lake+Spring+Panorama+-+May+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>With glee and gratitude we enjoy these hills and dales we call our 'backyard'. Always knowing as the day tilts toward twilight, the jewel of it all awaits us, just over the next hill and round the next bend!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-33457166862989464642013-05-30T13:26:00.000-06:002013-05-30T13:26:10.469-06:00A Good Summer Read<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8m8x7cW7GkRSjN5h-9vpDbGkgrzcoe4IFf6CLuurJR5jz5R8_aacHrMb1dF6cumHMklaIqLFnAOb-EXH3Lo6IUJYWLG5fcC0VyMb-STVmg_QfSIOLIGNb9I8ucILcTD98RMp/s1600/0+-+Henty+Books_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8m8x7cW7GkRSjN5h-9vpDbGkgrzcoe4IFf6CLuurJR5jz5R8_aacHrMb1dF6cumHMklaIqLFnAOb-EXH3Lo6IUJYWLG5fcC0VyMb-STVmg_QfSIOLIGNb9I8ucILcTD98RMp/s320/0+-+Henty+Books_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<P>Before we dive into all the hustle and bustel and beauty of summer, I wanted to share four more good reads. So, as you settle into that backyard chaise lounge or relax by you cabin at Elk Lake, you can enjoy a taste of Montana (or at least the 'real west') if you bring one of these along!</P>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHc2fftYriF4VFg5hOf_TnG7qt9PuBIXQU3yT6QGtAbbiIATXEA5af8401lb-9OocLJ4n4u0KGtJdHpVqozs-SjSuPUXTN3kSSQn1ddEfUkjqqmH-g9qyxRaAWzXm_-6maA3m/s1600/1+-+My+Antonia+-+Willa+Cather_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHc2fftYriF4VFg5hOf_TnG7qt9PuBIXQU3yT6QGtAbbiIATXEA5af8401lb-9OocLJ4n4u0KGtJdHpVqozs-SjSuPUXTN3kSSQn1ddEfUkjqqmH-g9qyxRaAWzXm_-6maA3m/s320/1+-+My+Antonia+-+Willa+Cather_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><strong>MY ANTONIA</strong>
<p>Author: Willa Cather</p>
<p>Genre: Historic Fiction</p>
<p>Setting: Nebraska</p>
<p>The vast majority of Montana is grassland - rolling hills covered with grass and or grass and sage. However, to date, I have not found that one quality, worth-every-minute read which leaves one feeling like they've been there - experienced that. So, I took the next best option - I listened to a classic set in Nebraska when their grasslands ruled.</p>
<p>Willa Cather's book has been dubbed a romance, but it certainly doesn't fall anywhere near the modern sweaty, steamy romance pile. Yes there is affection, even some love and hate, but true to the classics of old (which managed to tell a good story without being 'R' rated), Willa's book touches the heart without leaving one scrambling for a scrub brush for their mind!</p>
<p>This lovely story reads more like a 'journal' focused on a boy (Jim) and a Behomeian immigrant girl (Antonia). It is set in Nebraska's early days when fences were non-existent and homesteading was the norm. Willa takes one into the heart of this often tough life and allows her reader to <em>feel</em> the hardships and challenges as well as the joys and delights. From the dugout to city comforts, Jim (our narrator) follows Antonia's life.</p>
<p>I truly enjoyed this book and gladly award it 4 stars. If you're looking for a way to experience some of the history of the area, take the time to read (or listen) to this one.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k3Aa5csoNEf-29e2i4YpsQiYi1MiAp7Uh3q5K9oIL2saDwvdTHf3Xlpif3M9wjsUwllzjn6JLfpYR__3ANldZx0K7lboLCn5tc9AGGWrM5n5xZ7xUFwZoMedqUenBujmj7Wg/s1600/2+-+The+Shorn+Lamb+-+Hughie+Call_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k3Aa5csoNEf-29e2i4YpsQiYi1MiAp7Uh3q5K9oIL2saDwvdTHf3Xlpif3M9wjsUwllzjn6JLfpYR__3ANldZx0K7lboLCn5tc9AGGWrM5n5xZ7xUFwZoMedqUenBujmj7Wg/s320/2+-+The+Shorn+Lamb+-+Hughie+Call_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><strong>THE SHORN LAMB</strong>
<p>Author: Hughie Call</p>
<p>Genre: Historic Fiction</p>
<p>Setting: Montana</p>
<p>I learned about "The Shorn Lamb" from a Montana ranch wife's blog. Her modern-day Montana ranching family raises cattle and sheep. Thus when she spoke highly of Hughie's story, based upon her 'experience' (not her life) as a Montana sheep rancher's wife, I had to find a copy. It did not disappoint.</p>
<p>While this story is a bit more of a 'romance', once again the 'real' story is the <em>life</em> lived by the folks seeking to make their way in an often harsh and unforgiving - yet always beautiful and enchanting land.</p>
<p>Hughie sets her book in a more modern era - I'm guessing the 70's. The heroin is a young widow who is struggling to make a go of her husband's ranch after his accidental death. The hero, John, bring a maimed hand and a mysterious tragic past into our story. Through numerous challenges and trials the two learn mutual respect which eventually turns to love - for each other and an orphaned little girl.</p>
<p> The bulk of the story, however, focuses around ranch life. Set somewhere in the Ruby Valley, Hughie's story draws the reader into the joys and struggles of living life against the odds. Her descriptions of working the sheep, the life of the shepherd, and sheering day are particularly poignant. Her knowledge of and love for Montana ranch life are clearly seen.</p>
<p>This book is simple and delightful. Definitely a pick if you want to experience a little local culture without ruining your brain's vacation. I'd give it 4 stars.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfQ-2gt9kOCIh9AIL-Tq21NuGM3u94lcfofyl8qEpxkXVJJKIBhpYXgUeUCcdiP2-e-wJYhbf_Na8xSnvKAU1MvQReI8qBmC3vOUTFhea8UEQUdMa2LT-b_5i0GhXxWxEH83f/s1600/3+-+In+The+Heart+of+the+Rockies_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfQ-2gt9kOCIh9AIL-Tq21NuGM3u94lcfofyl8qEpxkXVJJKIBhpYXgUeUCcdiP2-e-wJYhbf_Na8xSnvKAU1MvQReI8qBmC3vOUTFhea8UEQUdMa2LT-b_5i0GhXxWxEH83f/s320/3+-+In+The+Heart+of+the+Rockies_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><strong>IN THE HEART OF THE ROCKIES</strong>
<p>Author: G.A. Henty</p>
<p>Genre: Historical Fiction</p>
<p>Setting: The Rocky Mountains</p>
<p>The last two books are from one of my all time favorite authors. Few people have heard of G.A. Henty - and to their loss. A prolific author, Mr. Henty wrote over 140 books and short stories aimed at young men and women from around the world. A British novelest, he was born in 1832 and died in 1902. He began his career as a war correspondent. His stories, which some say began as after dinner tales for his own children, are drawn from his extensive experience and travels. All are quite historically accurate making them an enjoyable way to build your historical knowledge too.</p>
<p>Most of Mr. Henty's works are set in places where the British empire had control. Therefore they have taken me to exotic locals like India. Some even dare to step back into the distant past. Thus I've traveled to Moses' Egypt. A few are set in the United States - as are the two I will review today.</p>
<p>The Hero of the first book, "In The Heart of The Rockies" is Tom, an orphaned English boy who travels to Colorado to meet up with an Uncle. Uncle Harry had left for the states several years earlier in search of gold.</p>
<p>Set mostly in Colorado and New Mexico, the story takes us from Indian fights to a dangerous trip through the Grand Canyon in a horsehide canoe, and back again. It is an interesting read far above today's 'typical' young adult mind-mush. In fact, in my opinion, Henty's books are interesting enough for an adult OR an adventure-minded middle schooler. I'd recommend you buy at least one (I'd stick with more 'known' locals to start), if not for yourself, for a young reader you know.</p>
<p>I almost always (almost because I have picked up a few books which dealt with subjects / places which just couldn't capture my interest) recommend Henty's books without reserve. Thus I give this book 5 stars.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlB6beQ2mM1f_zieKZ3d7xGSZKEGEVLvbf1TDrC4CKStfm_3hEuQHaJB38ZsQK-RJXzqillJulbgjvHPDlyBBpMkKWvwAttiJwe45F8st3CY09obxxbnHQY6qF40T9OE_S2xpS/s1600/4+-+Redskin+And+Cowboy_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlB6beQ2mM1f_zieKZ3d7xGSZKEGEVLvbf1TDrC4CKStfm_3hEuQHaJB38ZsQK-RJXzqillJulbgjvHPDlyBBpMkKWvwAttiJwe45F8st3CY09obxxbnHQY6qF40T9OE_S2xpS/s320/4+-+Redskin+And+Cowboy_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><strong>REDSKIN AND COWBOY</strong></p>
<p>Author: G.A. Henty</p>
<p>Genre: Historical Fiction</p>
<p>Setting: American Southwest</p>
<p>While the setting of this final book was not as 'close to home' as I had hoped, the story, nonetheless, does a great job of bringing its reader into the life and times of the early west. Certainly this qualifies is a first-rate tale told skillfully by a time-honored author.</p>
<p>The title, "Redskin And The Cowboy" can be a bit misleading. While Cowboys and Indians do play a role, this story takes us from American gold mines to lush English estates and back to an early American settlement. </p>
<p>The hero faces numerous trials and tribulations along his road, yet his experiences also bring to life the early days - days of large cattle drives, cattle rustlers, expansive miles-square ranches, and all the challenges and excitement which went into living in America's early days.</p>
<p>Once again Henty's tale is packed full of page turning adventures. I'd definitely give this a 5-star rating.</p>
<p>Thus we come to the end of another book review - and the end of another winter. Spring has taken firm hold here at Elk Lake. Thus, next time, we will be back to focusing on the beauty out my back door. Until then, enjoy!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28354126.post-35705770780713079412013-05-13T10:17:00.001-06:002013-05-13T10:17:36.489-06:00Centennial Winter Photo Anthology - March 2013 <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3DR6XfimqDmkAemk08spq7eHFmOKYFDPawZz4yYe5SMOrGcOZfc2rXm2r_t3im08OX_e1Pw0As4hyphenhyphenPRUmnr2iD9qoKa4D1Kt-WM24-R6WmEWz0LF32i8TlcqlfgsSp-EAM-u/s1600/0+-+Mountain+Sunrise_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3DR6XfimqDmkAemk08spq7eHFmOKYFDPawZz4yYe5SMOrGcOZfc2rXm2r_t3im08OX_e1Pw0As4hyphenhyphenPRUmnr2iD9qoKa4D1Kt-WM24-R6WmEWz0LF32i8TlcqlfgsSp-EAM-u/s320/0+-+Mountain+Sunrise_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<P> First off, an apology. After posting regularly to Elk Lake News for the past several years, the 'writing juices' needed a break. Thus the silence. The time off has been delightful - and, hopefully, has recharged my creativity and sparked a few new post ideas. We'll see. Thank you for coming back to see if we're still around!<p>
<P>Winter's baton has officially passed to spring, but letting go can come hard in the Centennial. One day spring rules. Next dawn rises, its crown hidden by fresh snow. Yet solar power will not be denied - laying bare more ground each day. Even fading before my eyes, the snow's beauty still remains - at least in the photos captured when its kingdom stood secure.</P>
<p>Thus, one month remains to share- a time of pristine beauty when winter white christened with diamond carpets.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBPaMevzCgxWZnWWJR2Rx9RFz8krl7ETlTYV6iOuDjTPUse0_iD4rcB3f3LQ7a0wYBJepCO_FvT7ddv2OZUmxhr2djUtbnTKFdUJvXvmTFXfJIlEfDMrV05xJSHiCpZlbm0my/s1600/1+-+Cabin+Spring+Morning+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBPaMevzCgxWZnWWJR2Rx9RFz8krl7ETlTYV6iOuDjTPUse0_iD4rcB3f3LQ7a0wYBJepCO_FvT7ddv2OZUmxhr2djUtbnTKFdUJvXvmTFXfJIlEfDMrV05xJSHiCpZlbm0my/s320/1+-+Cabin+Spring+Morning+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>March shone as winter's gem - sparkling sunny days and crisp cool nights. Saphire blue crowed emerald green sprinkled across cut crystal carpets.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-tfQxFqAQGNzuy0dePbKT3pZocAedHO4m-qCslRxmNV7Qz2UicH7pOrnyN4UsixAW1ClxeFv6J8h1qzZWXUP7tnc12Dt6zlcQlprhv8abjP6zgJ8JfUgmeXTXohpumELgPMa/s1600/2+-+North+End+of+Lake+and+Madisons+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-tfQxFqAQGNzuy0dePbKT3pZocAedHO4m-qCslRxmNV7Qz2UicH7pOrnyN4UsixAW1ClxeFv6J8h1qzZWXUP7tnc12Dt6zlcQlprhv8abjP6zgJ8JfUgmeXTXohpumELgPMa/s320/2+-+North+End+of+Lake+and+Madisons+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Sunny days do not deepen snow. Yet, March sun rays do not hold the power to subdue. Thus day after glorious day we enjoyed spring snow under bright skies.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZOf-bN5FF-aOpOwnEMhJIFziKm3fGsnbr0k-IflD7KXDpF068a6Lkyy8Qp0UQTQkgK3oCHY7aH7TGWc2Md8hgnS7EQ3tbNvCOaPx6jhoqAXo9q7oQbR6XK2Ueuz5qiTOi6Sw/s1600/3+-+Centennial+Mnts+From+Valley+Mouth+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZOf-bN5FF-aOpOwnEMhJIFziKm3fGsnbr0k-IflD7KXDpF068a6Lkyy8Qp0UQTQkgK3oCHY7aH7TGWc2Md8hgnS7EQ3tbNvCOaPx6jhoqAXo9q7oQbR6XK2Ueuz5qiTOi6Sw/s320/3+-+Centennial+Mnts+From+Valley+Mouth+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Best of all, a firm base and good coverage provided great snowmobiling. One afternoon we decided to 'take a drive'!</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigq30FBNlROEh-hW6rU0SlFzIH0RpDZj_csnOGHEb1EPgEVBbVVxiUY8i2N9taSd_UvWfNLl20Q4Mrzt-Bqekny9EbB-LYiOee3N2zKvHy-2QclBAPc_YMJ6quPDieDp6TdB92/s1600/4+-+Three+Moose+and+Coyote+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigq30FBNlROEh-hW6rU0SlFzIH0RpDZj_csnOGHEb1EPgEVBbVVxiUY8i2N9taSd_UvWfNLl20Q4Mrzt-Bqekny9EbB-LYiOee3N2zKvHy-2QclBAPc_YMJ6quPDieDp6TdB92/s320/4+-+Three+Moose+and+Coyote+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>How many and which animals can you spot in this photo? Unfortunately I was too slow. The eagles had taken flight.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrua4jmaqO9oEqlcZl68fmQZ2LrkkOYCikRCfBT4au6YOQF31ohSymbSX8OObtELWrKkgiPk3xooWgq6H9MwyCVhTKQxLWuUzcUcZhqOpH729oOOfI4OY46Nem0TlMg9g-3cp/s1600/5+-+Red+Rock+Creek+-+Centennials+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrua4jmaqO9oEqlcZl68fmQZ2LrkkOYCikRCfBT4au6YOQF31ohSymbSX8OObtELWrKkgiPk3xooWgq6H9MwyCVhTKQxLWuUzcUcZhqOpH729oOOfI4OY46Nem0TlMg9g-3cp/s320/5+-+Red+Rock+Creek+-+Centennials+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGze0ixrkimbDcFGGfMlQFXdZh9ZeQq3Eydje3jQcF0z6pXLqNc59BACTmJvyZap56j7SpTmR0-ALHnERywx-PtsydZjXnMdUa_Dp5lIipHC7b5Gy_xVR1NEs8g6-CarE28kfj/s1600/6+-+Mnt+Jefferson+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGze0ixrkimbDcFGGfMlQFXdZh9ZeQq3Eydje3jQcF0z6pXLqNc59BACTmJvyZap56j7SpTmR0-ALHnERywx-PtsydZjXnMdUa_Dp5lIipHC7b5Gy_xVR1NEs8g6-CarE28kfj/s320/6+-+Mnt+Jefferson+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYmlbn1l2K15GHgNXfPfZ-AUEhgg7fQ-MgspleORkSWbKlKcyvi-ywnIuXOqGbPqofepu86LfV9YK5b7qLfBxTTmjBzxISyyjTJtGJsX3NmLl62iKAIOKz75XekWIxQ9ifVd4/s1600/7+-+The+Knobs+and+Elk+Mtn+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYmlbn1l2K15GHgNXfPfZ-AUEhgg7fQ-MgspleORkSWbKlKcyvi-ywnIuXOqGbPqofepu86LfV9YK5b7qLfBxTTmjBzxISyyjTJtGJsX3NmLl62iKAIOKz75XekWIxQ9ifVd4/s320/7+-+The+Knobs+and+Elk+Mtn+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AJfmoa86uxFSYp5fieVjabN49etAJmpcMCewkmZB-jS8SAeuflbSVjLAIBUKiek0vhX9pULjV_WvHfGmur6JGyWc6TqZw_uix5b1ZgNjJvk-lKMCW_rlBnZYdWeOxhWAhoVQ/s1600/8+-+Red+Rock+Creek+and+Jefferson+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AJfmoa86uxFSYp5fieVjabN49etAJmpcMCewkmZB-jS8SAeuflbSVjLAIBUKiek0vhX9pULjV_WvHfGmur6JGyWc6TqZw_uix5b1ZgNjJvk-lKMCW_rlBnZYdWeOxhWAhoVQ/s320/8+-+Red+Rock+Creek+and+Jefferson+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrfPc5fLoXNyFt0djjP9FlmeulHhcNoCyJ1M53DqIyqRKZBX6kjdKZqY_dJOH_sAgGEkHIj3thZIXHaXS1kLTI38hyIsBIAWpK1LlV6XHQK_e0gpOEMWHlQxkpZewsg8boNwE/s1600/9+-+Red+Rock+Pass+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrfPc5fLoXNyFt0djjP9FlmeulHhcNoCyJ1M53DqIyqRKZBX6kjdKZqY_dJOH_sAgGEkHIj3thZIXHaXS1kLTI38hyIsBIAWpK1LlV6XHQK_e0gpOEMWHlQxkpZewsg8boNwE/s320/9+-+Red+Rock+Pass+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DBh43NDThm5jwpjPDVXS9dCfVTmQavOBk6W-UXs5vN5l7UTHlZS2NYvs93zx9n9b0mnMCrdYUnKh3j2oDGkAaw3V0gS3F9gZ9JnjwFUirFdqLTyGHSOXhCct5HgcSxDnwjL1/s1600/10+-+Jefferson+Panorama+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DBh43NDThm5jwpjPDVXS9dCfVTmQavOBk6W-UXs5vN5l7UTHlZS2NYvs93zx9n9b0mnMCrdYUnKh3j2oDGkAaw3V0gS3F9gZ9JnjwFUirFdqLTyGHSOXhCct5HgcSxDnwjL1/s320/10+-+Jefferson+Panorama+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhmN_i-3YHKhXEXwryyJNCQVEIz-0TUBXpz3MilOr4OdDmKgdrU3N79jiJQkhhCuy7SpQlIrVmF9t9_EBtp3vvtM1nIzV5IfvRoHuVcB5UiqPfFO3TJsiTDwC8kczvdOiB2Q_/s1600/11+-+Centennial+Winter+Panorama+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhmN_i-3YHKhXEXwryyJNCQVEIz-0TUBXpz3MilOr4OdDmKgdrU3N79jiJQkhhCuy7SpQlIrVmF9t9_EBtp3vvtM1nIzV5IfvRoHuVcB5UiqPfFO3TJsiTDwC8kczvdOiB2Q_/s320/11+-+Centennial+Winter+Panorama+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Pain from beauty? Sometimes - it almost hurts to view something so lovely, so perfect, so pristine!</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYYnl96LniFUiuAOKR0XFWjvIt6Ivty7JKG_xRjhCdR9K4dDigNlibhX_HDioowXAFefiCUI3gQ37nuOivDh7HiPTmbiLYiqpClFcgV8sw13NhdZwSilErpv1rlv8SkMAr46i/s1600/12+-+First+Day+of+Spring+-+Mar+2013_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYYnl96LniFUiuAOKR0XFWjvIt6Ivty7JKG_xRjhCdR9K4dDigNlibhX_HDioowXAFefiCUI3gQ37nuOivDh7HiPTmbiLYiqpClFcgV8sw13NhdZwSilErpv1rlv8SkMAr46i/s320/12+-+First+Day+of+Spring+-+Mar+2013_1_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Yet, pristine skies day upon day, covered their face when spring announced its arrival. Winter replied, "Oh, really?"</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtJQCf76AapfFOy7-wE-4dAVwcmQwpG9wqCx5INS4z_u7Nzlf8_nH-Rb1RMoIjQnG6z25x7y8hiiP1C0INORzhgMLTG8KrZiu7TjFWOuo_2ms-nQrWSnaILsfbYsptEKgGPDJ/s1600/13+-+Stump+and+Snow+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtJQCf76AapfFOy7-wE-4dAVwcmQwpG9wqCx5INS4z_u7Nzlf8_nH-Rb1RMoIjQnG6z25x7y8hiiP1C0INORzhgMLTG8KrZiu7TjFWOuo_2ms-nQrWSnaILsfbYsptEKgGPDJ/s320/13+-+Stump+and+Snow+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VJGfMIJLLAeMKh4iyDg2E-36VDuex9JtQTpWbVgcSUmjTIZ-GnbKz-ezkfofevtbnMrB7ELjE8nu_fIZo1Ddjkiv0QxmGx1y0-QOzr159DtNHOZfo7uw9o74WYRu6w8j-t55/s1600/14+-+Rosie+snowballs+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VJGfMIJLLAeMKh4iyDg2E-36VDuex9JtQTpWbVgcSUmjTIZ-GnbKz-ezkfofevtbnMrB7ELjE8nu_fIZo1Ddjkiv0QxmGx1y0-QOzr159DtNHOZfo7uw9o74WYRu6w8j-t55/s320/14+-+Rosie+snowballs+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Spring snow changes the snowshoeing experience. Surprises appear from under the snow like rabbits from a hole. Snowshoes do not sink, but dog feet pick up baggage.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BMDIFzT46fXRBy-p-lYkvaqJ8WftpqrtzTwMsU9lAxmZtPE4JgYXGHy_X8BjE0BkFBEicCbE2IY990N8NjHU8JKsmkyxaeO4d2_4VpA9YulQ_X1qSEvjKjRk3En54bwjEin7/s1600/15+-+Red+Rock+Pass+Sunset+Panorama+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BMDIFzT46fXRBy-p-lYkvaqJ8WftpqrtzTwMsU9lAxmZtPE4JgYXGHy_X8BjE0BkFBEicCbE2IY990N8NjHU8JKsmkyxaeO4d2_4VpA9YulQ_X1qSEvjKjRk3En54bwjEin7/s320/15+-+Red+Rock+Pass+Sunset+Panorama+-+Mar+2013_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>And so the winter drew to a close - glorious in color, grandeur, and beauty. Nine years and I still find it hard to believe "I" am the one blessed to look upon such rare delights!</p>
<p>Lady of the Lake</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0