Mount Evans, July 2019: Summit

The photographic high point of my annual summer visit to Colorado -- no pun intended -- is the time I spend with the mountain goats at the summit of Mount Evans. Every year is a little different, but over time I've learned the importance of things like going early, dressing warmly, and bringing extra batteries.  When I check all those boxes, I'm free to just focus on these wonderful animals.

After a great sunrise at Summit Lake Park, I drove to the top before golden hour was over.  As a result, the couple of goats who were already there were bathed in warm light.

One more without the kid.

This one just looks like he has mischief on his mind.

I don't do a lot of high-key shots.  The snowy background and bright sun created that effect here.

I only saw this one really young one, and it didn't expose itself for many shots.

I know my focus is sharp when I can make out saliva strands in the mouth.

These two had quite a little standoff going.  I had to wait patiently for them to creep far enough forward to get some decent light on them.

Even at a young age, the goats are quite comfortable with photographers.

I'm grateful that I don't have to scratch my face with a hoof.

This goat was actually facing in the opposite direction of the sun, but then turned its head to the camera the perfect amount to get perfectly lit up.

My cuteness sensors flipped to overload after this moment, and I knew it was time to pack up.

I actually did a little landscape shooting while overlooking Abyss Lake.  One single shot...

...one four-image panoramic shot in landscape orientation...

...and one five-image panoramic shot in portrait orientation.  There's even a goat in the upper right also taking in the view!

I enjoyed my time with the goats as always, although I didn't get the range of interesting behavior that I have in the past.  Assuming I return again next year, that will be my focus!