Shoulda called it "Rabbit Creek."
After all, ya see a lot more bunnies than caribou.
And, as noted in the story above, it's likely that you'll never see a caribou in the Caribou Creek drainage again or within the contiguous the United States, for that matter.
Rabbits aka snowshoe hares?
They're a whole different story.
When Bill asked if I wanted to join him on a drive up Caribou Creek (off the Upper Pack River Road) after the news, I didn't think twice.
My next thought: the rabbits AND the bear we saw on one of our visits a few years ago.
Maybe we'll see some of either, I hoped.
So, as we wound our way up the road, I kept my camera at the ready and set at high speed, should we see any critters along the way.
No bear, but we did tally four hares, including two hanging out together.
I had forgotten that high speed isn't really necessary if you get out of the pickup to capture a better picture of those snowshoe hares.
They're not too afraid. I told Bill that I could have almost petted the bunny up above.
It watched me slowly inch toward it but finally decided I was close enough and hopped into the bushes.
And, so our evening drive provided a nice touch to the otherwise beautiful sights of wildflowers and the vistas.
In one place, logging has cleared enough area for a great view of the Cabinets, while another provides some openings and stunning views of the granite crags in the Selkirks.
The creek was running full steam ahead, and we noticed a good supply of snow still hanging in the mountain peaks.
We visit Caribou Creek pretty much every year, just as we take drives to Rapid Lightning, Upper Pack River, Lightning Creek, among others.
It's a great evening distraction, especially when the temperatures heat up.
Bill does have one disappointment, though, in his evening travels, especially for fishing. The Grouse Creek Road has been closed because of a flood earlier this spring.
No telling when it's gonna open again, and that will be tough because the drainage is one of his favorite summer fishing areas. Maybe Caribou Creek will have to provide a substitute.
Our drive last evening topped off a busy day where at one point, our former neighbors arrived in town just in time for me to be visiting with a member of the new neighbor family.
Twas fun seeing the Kaubles, and it's gonna be fun having the Schubarth's next door.
Then, my sisters came for the big showmanship competition with Lily. I dressed up and wore my dad's good hat, and out to the field we went.
Barbara and Laurie gave me several pointers, but all the guidance in the world doesn't make those old creaky knees and hips feel any better when taking off for a short run.
We had the opportunity to choose among a few videos, and with my body screaming back at me, I limited my run-throughs to a minimum.
It's always amazing to see video----first of all, to be reminded that you're a lot fatter than you feel, and secondly, that you think you're running like the Energizer Bunny when in reality, the video reveals that you really are a decrepit turtle on its last legs.
Howz that for keeping the theme of rabbits?
Well, anyway, I do run like an old, old lady and my joints ache, but it still felt like a great accomplishment to get Lily all spruced up and myself and to go out there to do what we all aspire to achieve----our best.
And, at this age, I can tell you that "our best" is all relative.
Thanks to my sisters for the encouragement and to my sweet Lily for this experience. It hurt, but it was fun.
Busy weekend ahead with Father's Day and Annie coming and the usual unpredictable stuff that seems to happen around here.
Happy Friday.
Saw this family of hares, along with several others on an evening drive to Caribou Creek in June, 2015. |
The name "snowshoe" refers the large size of its hind feet. The animal's feet prevent it from sinking into the snow when it hops and walks.
2 comments:
I'm right with you on the decrepit part, but I'm always still happy that I can actually still "do some things". Your photos are so beautiful. I enjoyed the drive right along with you.
HI Marianne, We tried to connect with you recently via email but no luck Dean just wanted to connect and say we are both still doing well during these very different times. We havent been to Sandpoint for some time but would love to get there when this is all over.
Dean says you can bring your drillteam any time!!
Our email is: paulafredlund@telus.net.
Stay well
Dean and Paula (Fredlund)
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