Alpine Tundra in the Colorado Rockies
Alpine Tundra
This is what the top of the world feels like. Herds of elk quietly munching the alpine tundra's grasses and forbs, which have finally been released from the winter's snow. Vistas so large that they swallow your sense of being.
Elk Browsing on the Tundra
Close Encounters with Mega Fauna
To avoid the crowds, Steve and I head to the west side of the Park down into Kawuneeche Valley. We choose a hike called the Green Mountain Loop, 8 miles round trip, a slight elevation gain, but promising an expanse of meadow where moose might be found.
BIg Meadow along Green Mountain Loop
The meadow is as big as promised, lush with a green, that makes the New Mexican in me cry.
In the distance, we can see some dark shapes moving our way. We continue to walk and are delighted to see eight moose, all male heading closer and closer to us. The younger males (those without the antlers) prance and play. The antlered gentlemen, calmly munch and ignore both the younger bulls as well as us.
One of 8 Bull Moose in Big Meadow
More Bulls
Another hiker approaches us and tells us that Colorado's moose population is quite large compared to Wyoming, where he thinks the population is kept low due to grizzlies and wolves. Colorado has neither grizzlies nor wolves. I am not so sure of his hypothesis, and want to do some research to verify his claim. In Canada, the moose population is kept in check by deer, which carry a virus transferred by a deer mite that weakens the moose.
Further on down the trail, we come upon a mother moose and her calf. Again, we are treated with calm indifference, allowing us a glimpse of the wild wonders that this land provides.
Mama Moose and her Calf
Megafauna of a Different Sort
Even further down the trail, we met Specs, the Park's transport animal. Specs, the lama, is well suited to work in the park as she can carry heavy loads, eats less than mules and horses, impacts the trails less as her hooves are smaller and more delicate, and she does not spook as easily as her cousin the horse. And she is so lovely and allowed me to pet her.
Lama Pack Animal Used by Forest Service
Anniversary Hike
June 23rd - Steve and I celebrated our 26th Wedding Anniversary in this wonderful Park!
26 years of Marriage Today
Flower of the Day: Calypso Orchid, AKA; Fairy Slipper
Calypso Orchid
The Calypso Orchid, Calypso bulbosa was named for the sea nymph "Calypso" in Homer's Odyssey, because the "plant is beautiful and prefers secluded haunts" ~ National Audubon Society's Field Guide to Western Wildflowers.
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