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....