We are fortunate to see much which is good, no, make that incredible, in the natural world. Originally, we wondered what the chances were of capturing something on camera unique to us. After a couple of years of wandering, we began to realize that each day would present at least one good, great or miraculous view. Coupled with the fascinating and at times, difficult or strenuous climbs on the mountains, it makes each day unique in and of itself. Add in meeting some interesting fellow travelers and it rounds off one's days and years living a dream. It's reality. However, there's also another reality that confronts us with more difficult and often unpleasant challenges as we return to what is called civilization. The cynic in us might use a different term.
When we read of snow approaching within a few days, we were not pleased. On the other hand, when we realized it was expected to be a one-day-happening, we projected it might do wonders for the landscape and that we were indeed fortunate. For a change, we got it right. I don't think I've witnessed better views and enjoyed an environment as we did on February 24th. I did not include Jenni's opinion because she believes my memory forgets previous occasions when I've made a similar comment. She alleges it's always a few days previously multiplied by ten or twenty times a year. It's a problem when one's credibility is 'shot'.
Let me phrase it differently. In my top ten list of photographs, there were, until recently, 184 pictures. I get it—that's a little odd. As I write this, the list has been pared considerably. The list only has 178 photographs today. Nevertheless, I'll stand by my opinion and state these could be our finest set of photographs of a one day's outing. (Essay at end)
Jenni, front, heads down and home.
The Four Peaks, in the wilderness of the same name.
An experience in the town of Roosevelt: 'For the Birds' that even Teddy may have approved.
Jen considers the subject of birds to nearly be taboo but settles for the word 'ducks'—an all-embracing term. I follow the birds, particularly the raptors in the wilderness (ducks), but admit as mentioned in an earlier blog, when they are too close to home, personal and in one's face, for want of a better term, they can be painful.
The picture illustrates how fed up I was in deciding to call the gang together and let them have it.
Ostensibly, the purpose of our meeting was to set some ground rules. That in and of itself was difficult because walking on the ground outside our room takes enormous dexterity in avoiding their poop. Fortunately, the staff clean the concrete patio daily but that's insufficient care for birds that eat continuously.
The audience hangs onto every word after the ducks are in a row, well...sort of.
Anyway, when the audience had congregated, expecting another set of snacks, I exploded into a lecture that may have put the fear of an eagle into their little minds. Firstly, I pointed to the sign that prohibits humans from swimming in their pond. As a courtesy, I mentioned, we don't pee in your pond, please don't defecate in our backyard. Rather pee in your own pond?
Anyway, when the audience had congregated, expecting another set of snacks, I exploded into a lecture that may have put the fear of an eagle into their little minds. Firstly, I pointed to the sign that prohibits humans from swimming in their pond. As a courtesy, I mentioned, we don't pee in your pond, please don't defecate in our backyard. Rather pee in your own pond?
We'll see how that goes but I could tell they were intimidated. Every so often I noticed quivering while flapping their wings in fear. I did feel all powerful, perhaps enjoying the power that must parse through a dictator's blood. They probably felt like putin'.
Second point I made. The rule in this establishment calls for quiet time soon after the sun sets—this is not a place for teenagers looking for nightlife. Surely the rule applies to you 'orno-anser' types, too. We cannot accept the frequent breakouts that occur. Surely, each time one of you honks out loud or annoys a friend or colleague, the rest of you don't need to break out into deep cackles and honks as if you are big-shot vice-president. We already have one of those and that's too much as it is. Should you not be able to control yourselves, how about squawking in someone else's backyard. Have you not heard of NIMBY? (not in my backyard)
I'm also sick and tired of your aggressive actions of knocking on our windows begging for food. You should stick to worms, fish and insects as your DNA requires. Oreo cookies are very bad for you while very good for Jen and me. Tough break. We won't ask for your worms, you cut out disturbing us at all hours for our sugar-free sodas. By the way, when we heard Diet Coke was not healthy, we acted swiftly and responsibly switching to Pepsi. If nothing else, you should understand we sure set fine examples of good dietary habits. Guys, learn and digest this wisdom.
Finally, I notice that one of you in particular, I won't point the goose out for it's not my intention to embarrass anyone. However, I do not like the aggressive manner in which you dart toward my wife, and on occasion, me too. Frankly, I hate to admit it but for a duck, you can be intimidating. I would not know how to defend ourselves, short of kicking out with my legs. That's not something I would like to do but might resort to it should your harassing continue. The audience remained still...not a honk sounded. I could tell they were enraptured by my words. Clearly, I can be intimidating.
I really believed I had got through to them. I felt a crease across my face as a deep smile attested to the success I enjoyed. It was proving to be a breakthrough. People and animals meeting and talking/chirping together. Perhaps, I had made a discovery and would not be thought of as a nincompoop any longer. I smiled. I had found my vocation.
Just then, Jenni opened the door and called out: "Dinner!" A cacophony of sound broke out which I took to be well-earned applause. Instead, eleven geese in unison, released gas (pleased John Kerry not around; actually, always delighted when he's in his jet), followed by a poop extravaganza. They then began cackling and honking at full blast that it hurt the eardrums. Thereafter, they rushed as one toward Jenni like a Russian troop, leaving me standing in the dust which was fast turning into become smelly mud.
I suppose it's back to hiking for me and in future, I'll continue 'talking to the trees'.
Jenni and Jeffrey
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