Oh the places we'd go.

It started out as a nice sunny winter day in the mountains of Colorado.  We were on a mission.  To locate wild beasts (aka deer and/or elk).  But as we ascending up the twisty, turny mountain road, the snow began to cover the blacktop and the wind howled, blowing the snow sideways against the car.  We attempted to exit the vehicle a couple of times, but didn't stay out in the elements for long; the cold wind was piercing.  

As we became discouraged and decided that discovering wild beasts on this day, would probably fail, we decided to head back down.
When all of a sudden, we saw something!!!  There!  Up on the side of the mountain!  A few brown blobs!  No, make that about a dozen brown blobs!
We quickly went into action and put on any random article of clothing we could find (we were not expecting such harsh conditions...recall the first sentence of this blog).  
We dashed up the side of the mountain, and hid behind some boulders, knowing that the "brown blobs" were just on the other side.  I had my camera with me and was ready to zoom in on the action. 
(side note: I was sucking air!  My head hurt.  I started out way to quick.  I should have paced myself.  Elevation kills.  No, this is not an excuse for being out of shape.)

As I peered over the top of the boulder, I saw a pair of eyes staring right at me.  It was a female elk (cow).  Surrounding her were several other cows and a male with tiny antlers. It was pretty sweet, to say the least.  
I took a gazillion shots (literally).  

By this point, I had stripped off my beanie and snow gloves.  I also decided that the next time I scale a mountainside, I won't be doing it in jeans and boots. (go fat babies)
After oooing and ahhing over the elk, we decided to take in the scenery.  God's creation always amazes me.  And also by this time, the snow stopped and the clouds were starting to break. 

The hike back down wasn't so bad (at least I was a few more feet lower in elevation!)

I miss those mountains, but I am grateful for the chance to have tasted their sweetness once more.