Sunday, October 17, 2010

Mountainview Update

I've written about Dan's fishing and his lovely rainbow trout catches that he's brought home before.  Here's a few more details about his fun and joy....

The ranch owners also own another large property about 1/2 hour from our home.  Most of this land is high desert and the trail in is pretty rugged (as in, go very slowly in the 4-wheel drive mode and expect to bump around a lot).  There are 3 lakes on this property, each one at a higher elevation.  Above the 3rd lake the trees crowd in and the views are spectacular:



Dan has had his share of fun and relaxation up there, and we now have a good mess of fish in the freezer.  Rachel and Paul- expect a hearty trout dinner when you come to visit! He spent several hours up there yesterday, and is now in the catch and release mode.... no sense in taking fishies and being greedy.  He loves the fly-fishing fight and a 'tip of the hat' as he slips them back in the water.


And last of all, I'm happy to report the Ghost Elk have started to make an appearance!  I got up this morning as dawn was breaking to the music of bugling elk, and could tell they were close.  I looked out back, and sure enough, the party was waning, but the elk were reticent about heading for the hills.

Dan and I spent a half hour watching them.  There had to be at least 150 total- it was fabulous!  We saw at least 8 bull elk in the group(s).  The name 'ghost elk' is fitting.... unlike deer who prance and leap, the elk seem to glide through the grasses.  We think there were several separate groups who gathered for a early morning party.  They wandered off as daylight came, and went in several different directions. 

Here's a couple of pics- they're a bit grainy since the light was dim....


Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Ghost Elk

We have elk around here.

We have LOTS of elk around here, and their numbers are growing daily.












The frustration is, most of the time you don't see them during the day.  Other than getting a view across the Cinnabar basin on the opposite mountain slopes where they look like tiny ticks, the fields are barren of wandering elk.

The only sign of existance is when you hear a male bugling for his ladies.  It's strange to know wildlife is there, but not visible.


















At night however, these elk have a party.  They wander all around, gaily leaving their footprints and elk-do as evidence of the merry times they are having under the cover of darkness.


















Typical ghost behavior.

I'm told they will become more visible during the winter months, and we'll see them laying around in our back yard.

I can't wait.  It's annoying to hear and not see them.

Last night, I was awakened several times by male elk bugling in the dark.  They were close... very close.  When I got up at 6 am, I knew they were hanging out in our back yard, but it was still dark.

I got the strongest flashlight we have (which isn't really that strong), and quietly opened the back sliding door before turning on any lights. Clicking the 'on' button on the flashlight, I quietly scanned the backyard and adjoining corral. 

All I could see was eyesLots and lots of golden, glowing eyes.  No shapes, only eyes.....

Wily, rascaly critters.....