In an effort to help myself get used to the altitude (about two thirds that of Yellowstone), I took a little walk up the park, and my friend went to pick up one of her sons and then picked me up at the top.
Along the path, which was nicely tended, there are these information placard things. You can see one a bit in the distance in this picture, right here. See it?
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And then I realized, the movement was a head, and a head WAY too big to be any rattlesnake that would be there, and besides, a rattlesnake would be sunning, and not hanging out in the shade, right?
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I skirted around, as far away as I could while staying on the trail.
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How's that for a fantastic encounter?
My friend also took me out to Benton Lake Wildlife Refuge, where we drove around slowly, trying to avoid being prey for ravenous mosquitos while looking at lots and lots of amazing birds. I did my best to engage my friend in my nefarious plot to take over the world with people looking at birds and playing bikes. (But I didn't take any pictures because the mosquitoes were just too thick and unpleasant, and I'm a total whuss.)
We saw, among other things, Northern Shovelers, Wilson's Phalarope, Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, Hooded Merganser, Common Tern, Marbled Godwit, and Killdeer. I really got a chance to see more Phalarope and Godwits than I ever have, which helped me gain a little confidence in identifying them.
Finally, I biked a little along the Missouri River, on the wonderful River's Edge Trail. It was a short ride (15m), but gave me a little more confidence about riding at a higher altitude.
All in all, a fine prelude!
Deers! Deers! I love them. Great start. Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteSo cute! Lucky picture! Glad you are having a good time.
ReplyDeleteSmart little antelope found the only real shade for miles around! Glad that your trip has been off to such a great start, too.
ReplyDeleteIt looks so young! It's so cute! :)
ReplyDeleteSo cute!!!
ReplyDeleteEeek!! That is so cute!!
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