IMG_0964[1]Some friends of ours from back east have been visiting this past week, and since today was their last day here in Colorado, we wanted to do something uniquely Coloradan.  So we decided on a drive up Mt. Evans (see earlier post), which turned out to be quite memorable.  At first, I wasn’t so sure that was the best of ideas, as it was dark overhead, and raining as we started up the Mt. Evans highway.  Our drive seemed to take a turn for the worse, as we entered into thick clouds — nothing like driving up a windy mountain road with steep drop-offs with very little visibility.  But as we made the final turn towards the summit parking area, it was all worth it.  There were a large group of bighorn sheep standing right on the road and in the parking area, welcoming us to the summit!

It’s always a treat to see Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, and this was especially memorable, as there were several lambs that were part of the group, which looked to be ewes and lambs.  To me, Bighorn Sheep really symbolize Colorado and the Rocky Mountains, because they seem to fit so well with the environment.  As it turns out, they are the state mammal and Colorado is home to more Bighorn Sheep than any other state.  Their incredible climbing skills and agility suit them well as they clamber among the rocks and ledges of the high mountain peaks like Mt. Evans and wander across the neighboring tundra.  Their hooves are actually split in two and act like “clothespins” that can clip onto the sides of rocks, so that they can easily cling to a rock ledge a mere two inches wide.  And the lambs can climb as well as their mothers within just a few days after they are born.

Seeing Bighorn Sheep really made the whole trip worthwhile.  It was one of those special magic moments that really reminds you of this amazing wilderness we live in.   It may not have been the best day for mountain viewing, but it was sure a stellar day for sheep viewing!

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