Mount Evans, July 2021: Some of the Mountain Goats

I go to Mount Evans when I visit Colorado in the summer for one main reason -- to see Mountain Goats.  They remind me of how amazing nature is, and how much wildness is still left in the world.

In that regard, this summer's trip did not disappoint.

I saw babies, all innocence and wonder.

Trying, like apparently all children, to grow up too fast.

I saw adolescents, on the verge of adulthood, holding themselves with a proud bearing.

I'm always amazed how regal an herbivore can look.

Did I mention cute babies?  Such cute babies. :)

It's curious to me how tentative this one looks, when I know how incredibly sure-footed they are.

This small group was just out of sight from the summit road, but after years of visits I knew where to look.  So I just sat and was content to simply be with them for a while.

And it seems they were quite content with me, too. :)

Whoops -- did I make a sudden movement?

Nope.  Never mind.  He just needed to have a little scratch.

I always love seeing the goats in this raggedy state where they're still clinging to some of their winter coats.  They remind me of a band of wandering beggars, rich in experience if not worldly possessions.

When you sit with Mountain Goats on a beautiful summer day, without a care in the world or anywhere else to be, you certainly should have more than 11 pictures worth sharing.  So, more to come!

Related Links:

• Mount Evans, July 2021: Everything That Wasn't Mountain Goats