Thursday Album

 

I almost petted this little bunny aka snowshoe hare.

Just as I took a careful, quiet step about five feet away, the hare figured that was close enough. 

Without much fanfare, it got up and ran into the bushes alongside the road. 

A few years ago after dinner, Bill and I took our annual trip up the Caribou Creek Road.

That evening, while driving back down the road we encountered a cluster of snowshoe hares. 

They almost blocked the road, and some were nice enough for me to get out of the pickup and take their pictures. 

Every year since then, we have always wondered if our timing would be right and if we'd ever see such a scene again. 

Well, last night's trip came close.  We saw four hares, two in individual situations and two hanging together on the road. 

It seems like they're out and about on the roadways just before dusk.  I don't know if they spend their nights on the mountain roads, but it's fun to spot them up ahead, especially when I'm camera ready. 

Last night I stepped out of the pickup and slowly walked toward the little guy above, snapping a photo with each step. 

I actually wondered if the hare would stay there for me to reach down and pet it. 

As noted earlier, it did not, but the experience gave me a thrill. 

Our trip to Caribou Creek was motivated by my friend Don who yesterday asked me about one of the side roads up in that area. 

Seems this is the time of year we take our drive up that way and last night provided the perfect situation. 

On our way to the road in Upper Pack River, we stopped by the Selle Valley Creamery where families were enjoying hamburgers and the trimmings as well as huckleberry ice cream cones. 

Bill and I each chose the chocolate-huckleberry swirl, which was very very good and refreshing on a warm evening. 

The outdoor picnic area at the creamery is usually buzzing on Thursday night hamburger night, so if you're local, give it a try. 

Last night's drive turned out to be pleasant with scenes of ridge lines in the Selkirk Mountains, a moose and deer sighting and an abundance of wildflowers, including daisies, Indian paintbrush, tiger lilies and some stunning clumps of fireweed. 

When you're listening to Bach on NPR, the mountain scenes are all the more enhanced. 

We drove through a logging operation with a lot of huge pieces of new equipment. 

We also had a view of Lake Pend Oreille, but its brilliance was dulled by a layer of haze. 

The snowshoe hare encountered occurred as we were headed down the mountain and already pretty satisfied with our experience, which, always for Bill, includes a stop at the bridge over Caribou Creek. 

The fisherman likes to inspect the water.  

Once again, overall, we enjoyed a pleasant day down here in the valley and in the mountains. 

Fun stuff as we say good bye to June. It's been a great month. 

Happy Friday. Wishing everyone a safe and fun Fourth of July Weekend.

AND, Happy 75th to Judy, one of the "outlaws" and community volunteer extraordinaire.  Hope you have a wonderful celebration.  

Enjoy the photos and, as you do, listen to a classic from one of my all-time favorites, the legendary Joan Baez.  

 

"One cow; that's all," said Craig Swapp never. 

Still, I think the lawyer man who always advertises on TV "one call; that's all" for accident claims would be impressed with this big bovine beauty.

She's one of the Taylor herd, and they're currently grazing across the road from the Lovestead.