Tuesday teaser

Busy day - and not much time to post. So, I'll post one photo. The mule deer whose body I found yesterday was shared by at least two and maybe three lions. I believe that it is a mother with young. Our exciting day started with an ethereal experience. K and I floated along our favorite trail through chilly air. The bite in the air seemed out of place with the green leaves just unfurling on the aspen trees.

As K trotted by my side on a pine needle carpeted trail, a jet black bear appeared ahead of us on the trail as we crested a small rise. I told K to sit and stay. To my astonishment, she sat still but with a frenzied whine. Meanwhile, the bear turned on a dime and loped away with a grace that belied his bulky frame. He turned uphill, off the trail, and silently disappeared into the forest. How does an animal so huge navigate brush and deadfall without a sound?

Because I was focused on keeping K by my side, I never even reached for my camera. However, the magical moment will be forever etched in my memory. These past two days encompass why I love living here - I'm in the midst of real wild animals.