In the past two days of travel, we have driven 699 miles from Grand Prairie to Watson Lake. Both days were long -- way longer than we planned to drive in a day. Today’s drive took nine hours and the road was challenging as once again it was rough and there were several sections of construction. But even with the challenges of the road itself, it was a glorious day. The scenery was amazing and we saw lots of animals. A picture is worth a thousand words so take a look.
All along the highway, there are rivers, creeks and lakes that make the trip interesting. I wish we could stop and pull out a fishing pole and see what we might catch!
We stopped at an overlook to get a look and take a few pictures. Charlotte and Savannah were both interested in seeing what was over the barrier. They both love to get out and run in the grass smelling everything they can. Charlotte is always looking for something to eat. Anything from poop to bones is a tasty treat for her, ugh!
Our first sighting of Stone Sheep. This sheep is actually a sub species of the Dahl Sheep found in Alaska. The Stone Sheep is smaller and the coloration a bit different as well. They are quite common in this area but very elusive. We saw them several times.
A Beautiful Lake. The water was so pretty and blue. The information we read says the blue comes from copper oxide that runs off into the waters of many of the lakes. Seems odd to me, but it sure is pretty.
This was our first Black Beer sighting. We were moving along slowing through a road construction area where we spotted him in the grass. I was driving so Jim snapped this picture.
Just an example of how lovely the vistas are as we travel along. I thought I would get tired or jaded after a while, but not at all.
Look closely at this example of the mountains. Notice the "trails" that course the face. This area is prone to heavy rains. When it rains, without vegetation to slow or stop the water it rushes down the mountain into the valley below. As it travels, it carries with it rocks and all sorts of debris.
Here you see what is called an alluvial field or fan. The debris rushes down the mountain and widens and spreads ending in a "fan" at the bottom. We saw many of these along the way giving testimony to the power of nature and how it impacts this land.
Beautiful Summit Lake. It covers more than 7 miles in length and the water was so beautiful it takes your breath away.
The far end of the lake framed by the mountains. What a tranquil place to live.
We sighted this Stone Sheep alone on the side of the mountain. We think it is a female. The males horns are usually much larges and tighter coiled. So, we think it is a female.
A third sighting was of a family of four. Unfortunately, I was only able to capture this one in a picture.
A lake nestled in a distant alley.
This was the first Wood Bison sighting for us. This fellow was all alone on the side of the road. He was very large and I certainly would not want to irritate him in any way.
This fellow was part of a group. At this time of the year, they are shedding fur and growing new. He looked really scruffy.
These two bears were seen separately. In all we sighted six Black Bears. The largest one we saw would have made a great picture. Unfortunately, we were not in a place where we could pull off and take photos. Both of these bears were along the roadway eating the tender young grasses and dandelion flowers.
I actually got out of the truck and cross the road to capture this fella. I snapped a number of pictures before he started moving and I made a hasty retreat to the truck.
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