Last week we drove up to the top of Bountiful Peak in the Wasatch Mountains via Skyline Drive. The 25 mile (not including the side roads we took) loop road between Bountiful and Farmington is gravel, winding. steep and often narrow but the views of the valley below from elevations up to 9200 feet are spectacular and the wildlife and bird possibilities beckoned us. We mostly struck out with birds but had a great time with a momma moose and her calf at the edge of some ponds.
I only include this shot because it shows the relative sizes of the cow and her growing youngster.
I got very few shots of the cow because she spent most of her time browsing in the tall vegetation growing out of the water. She took about three steps from this spot and was so deep in the water and plants that only her ears were visible most of the time.
The calf was showing some independence and browsed for a while on higher ground about 50 yards from its parent.
But then it decided to venture out into the water, muck and grass…
and it didn’t take long before its relatively small hind feet plunged deeply into the muck. The image is soft and I think the reason for that is because I broke out laughing when it happened. Taking sharp shots with a 500mm lens plus extender doesn’t mix well with laughter from the photographer…
But it extricated itself with no serious damage done…
and then frolicked around the edge of the pond for some time before it went back to browsing on higher ground.
Many of you have seen so many bird and mammal images I’ve taken on Antelope Island I thought you might enjoy seeing it from a much different perspective. This is one of the views from high in the Wasatch along Skyline Drive, looking down over the valley below.
The island itself runs north-south and is 15 miles long and 7 miles wide at its widest point. I’ve marked the ends of the island with small, red arrows. If you squint a little you can see the causeway leading to the island just to the right of the arrow on the right.
The shoreline of the Great Salt Lake has receded considerably due to our current drought, so right now it’s a bit of a stretch to even call it an island. Most of the lake is out of view to the right of the frame edge.
Some of you may have seen a view similar to this as you flew into the Salt Lake Valley on commercial airlines.
Ron
Note: I’m delighted to be “on the road” again – it’s been a very long time between camping trips! As per usual I won’t be able to respond to comments for a few days (extremely spotty phone signal and no computer) but I do get your comments via email on my phone and enjoy them very much. Hope to have some interesting shots to share when we get back!
oh what fun, Ron!!!!
moose are good-looking at this time of the year compared to spring. Like the pictures and the view from the top.
How could you not laugh at that baby?!?!? What a fun set of pictures. I am insanely envious of you getting to see moose like that. It’s one animal that I would love to see in person. That baby is really cute, and in the 4th photo, it’s facial expression makes it look like it is full of mischief. Thank you for a real bright spot in my day.
Great shots Ron! Antelope Island is much larger than I envisioned. Happy Camping
Charlotte N!
Wonderful shots, but I can’t help thinking that a video of some of your experiences would be very entertaining! It is wonderful that we live in a place with such great access to wild and scenic lands and life.
thanks!
Beautiful, as always!
Great pictures, Ron. The moose is not an animal we see much of in southern New Mexico. Have a great trip. I love Montana.
What a pleasure to see such a healthy looking pair in such obviously great condition! That baby sure looks sassy! Love reference/orientation photo of Antelope Island, too. Thanks for including it. Your love for Montana really shines through (can’t blame you-I love it, too). My husband feels the same way about Maine.
Montana!
I concur with Dick. They are the picture of health! I’m wondering where you are off to. Maybe I missed it. In the last few days I’ve had family from Oregon visiting & haven’t seen your entries. I’ll have to go back & look. Have a fun & wonderful trip Ron wherever it is!
What a treat. Thank you – and if laughing would create photos like that for me, I would make it my habit to laugh with every shot.
The cow and calf look fantastic, in great condition! The eyes are sharp which is really all that counts. Very nice shots, much appreciated.