Internet access being what it is here in Jasper National Park I haven't been able to get anything posted since arriving last Thursday afternoon (other than the bird quiz, that is). The weather has certainly been a bit better that it was a couple of weeks ago. Friday we were out driving around checking things out and we came upon something I'd only seen from a distance last time and that is this Bighorn Ram. Nice to own a big lens so that it is possible to get close-ups like this without fear of being on the receiving end of a head butt from this guy. What a beautiful animal. I've also had a chance to shoot some younger rams on this visit also (along with more ewes and lambs).

Saturday morning looked like it might be good for some scenics so I gathered Roxie up early and we took of for Mout Edith Cavell to see what we could do with a little recent snow on her summit. Unfortunately there was a big cloud hovering over said summit so I settle for making an image or two of the icebergs floating in the lake at the toe of Cavell Glacier. I've since discovered a beautiful location to try and get a shot of the mountain at sunrise and, weather permitting, I'll get the chance before heading south Friday.

The elk rut is in full swing and we have spent quite a bit of time shooting bulls who are a bit hormonally unbalanced right now. They bugle quite a bit and are certainly massing their harems. Spent close to 2 hours with this one, watched him run off a couple of other bulls, and ran when he decided he didn't much like the dozen or so photographers that were hanging around. I didn't think I could move so fast at my age but adreniline is pretty effective when you realize 1000 lbs. of elk is headed your direction.

Yesterdaymorning was spent with the elk again but in the afternoon we went looking for other stuff and ended up back at Medicine Lake where I had found the Pika's a couple of weeks ago. In the course of shooting them again I caught a few fleeting glimpses of a Least Weasel and went back today in hopes that it would be around agin today. While waiting I took some shots of some turning leaves that were still wet from the morning's rain. Had to give up in the weasel when the rain got serious again but will try again before leaving Friday - a really cute little animal for being so ferocious . . .