Elk!

Well, just when I was thinking there was nothing exciting to speak about - after the worst storm in Oregon history - we were awakened today by a phone call from the neighbor telling us a herd of elk was in the pasture. Grabbing binoculars, glasses and camera, we hurled ourselves down the stairs, rubbed the sleep from our eyes and tried to focus through the rain, and there they were - 15 beautiful big animals, resting comfortably next to the fence. They must have sensed we were there (can't imagine how!) and they slowly rose, ambled over to the fence, gracefully jumped, continued around our trees and on to the river.



One small elk at the end of the line was attempting to get over the fence without success when a larger one stepped next to it, leaned down and slid its own very big body UNDER the fence - to show it how to get through without jumping, I guess! It was incredible the flexibility, gracefulness and calmness they exhibited.

Later as we were examining the footprints, we saw that they had been busy in our yard very close to the house.


And just to give you an idea of their size, I took a picture of my boot next to the foot/hoofprints.


It was fortunate the snow was there to verify that they had been here, just in case we were to miss seeing them. Now we know why the dogs stare at the trees intently and bark incessantly - not just being a hyper golden retriever and her brother the copycat!!!
Well, fortunately they do get some down time (this watchdog job is very hard) :


And (snowball) playtime:


And more down time:



Now we're preparing to say goodbye (we hope) to the snow. We have rain in the forecast all week and above 40 temperatures - we're watching the river as it flows higher and faster.


So we're saying goodbye to -

SNOWDRIFTS



















SHOVELING SNOW



GRAND WINTER SCENES



AND (SNIFF) CHRISTMAS PICTURES


Hope you're all enjoying your warmer weather and sun for us all!!!!!