Mountains always do it for me. My mountaintop moments happen in predictable places - not always, but often enough. I brought back a sterling pinkie ring with a mountain range on it for when I need a reminder. I got better shots on this day - but wanted to show you this particular herd as a bit of the Rockies shows in the background.
We were there for the Elk "Rut." You will notice that only one guy has control of this entire herd of ladies. Bugling Elk are a true riot. That huge animal has this very thin high pithed noise that comes out of him to warn the other guys that these ladies belong to him and only him. Each of the ladies will go into estrus about three times during the "season." So, he has three chances to grow his herd. They are glorious animals and they realize that they are safe in the Rockies. Later in the day I was literally standing with some other photographers much closer to a herd - but a decent distance and also by a rock larger than me. But there is always an idiot that decides he can walk right up to wild animals and the ladies got spooked and ran right past us. If you have a chance to go to the Rockies, take it. They are gorgeous, dangerous and holy spots.
I missed the bison and elk rut in Yellowstone this year and I'm devastated about it! I agree with your assessment about the mountains. It's where I go to rejuvenate and find peace within myself again. I could look at this photo for hours. I love it!
I was just in Colorado last month and experienced the same thing -- the elk rut, the silly thin-voiced bugling, and the less-than-intelligent tourists who thought they could walk up and pet the elk. When I warned one woman that a couple young bulls were preparing to take a go at each other and she should stay back, she said, "Oh, I'm not worried. I can outrun them." Seriously?
October 27th, 2014
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