Our 4th weekend was very interesting. It involved an unexpected dinner plans with my BFF from grade school, who spent her long weekend in the mountains. We traveled south to Mount Evans for another drive up that scenic area, which included flora, fauna and PIE! at the Echo Lake Lodge. And we had a soggy day for the actual Fourth.
We’ve been to Mount Evans once before and happened to spy some mountain goats as we came around a bend. It was exciting, and I got a couple of photos to commemorate the event, but they were not spectacular.
Oh but this time, I had my new camera. And fancy schamcy telephoto. I was hoping we might spy some.
Which we did. There were some nice obliging family groups up top, just letting folks snap away. Good stuff. We visited the facilities, viewed the expanse, breathed the fresh air, and said, ‘ready for some snacks?’
Traveling down the road just a bit to a pull out, we parked and ate our picnic. Then I got out and took some photos of flowers (with my 50mm f1.8), and Wonderful Guy went looking around to see what he could see. And what he saw were some more mountain goats running down the mountainside quite away from us. I had changed to my standard kit lens, but they were too far for me to zero in on effectively. However, I had got the camera on a better setting for … not flowers.
A forestry official showed up about this time and informed us that a dog had gotten off leash up in the parking area and started giving chase to the goats. That’s what had panicked them. That's when we noticed another group heading down our side of the mountain.
More specifically. Toward us. (Clicky for biggy..)
Two adults, and three kids came nimble skipping down the rocks and scree, right to us. In no time flat.
One baby got a bit in front, stopped and scooted back to Mom (or Pop?). We just stood there.
And they just stood there. Then they proceeded. Quick as you please. Not more than a yard in front of the Guy. I was glad I didn't have my telephoto in place. These photos would have been even less than they are.
Unbelievable experience for us.
We saw more goats later, and this group of mommas and offspring big horns, too.
Scenery was indescribable.
Flowers were spectacular.
Pie was delicious, eaten while watching hummingbirds right outside the window.
(We didn’t need no stinkin’ fireworks on the 4th.)
6 comments:
So - did you try to collect any goat hair for spinning?
So glad we got to see you while we were in Colorado! Wish we could have seen goats and big horns but I know I would have freaked out if they were running towards me! You took some good pictures! Hope to see you again before too awful long! Tish
What a beautiful place. I really enjoyed these photos -- you are getting pretty good with the new camera.
Woohoo! You got to see mountain goats. I loved to go to Mt Evans even though it was quite a drive from Loveland. We went twice and only saw goats once. Sounds like you an up-close-and-personal visit!
Love the alpine tundra flowers. Is that last one rose crown??
Easy to see why you love Colorado!
Man, have you ever made me homesick! I used to go up there just about every weekend, but I haven't been there once yet this year. You got some spectacular shots!
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