Greetings all on this last day of September!  For the counters out there, you were probably getting worried that my production this month was coming up a bit short on my self-imposed quota.  No worries, as you can see.. that deficiency has officially been addressed.  Truth is this month is an annual test of how much sleep one truly needs to be able to function.  In my case that is staggeringly low.  Running definitely takes time off the top, but the rest is being consumed by work on the Haunted Trail of Tears.  Somehow I forget how much work it is to put this on every year… a true labor of love.  Today also happens to be the one year anniversary of my Father’s passing.  One of the saddest days in my life and still a big hole in my heart that will never be filled.  Um to that Yang, it is Ron’s birthday and nothing says Happy Birthday like an Elk.

It isn’t very often that you get to have an Elk from the Rocky Mountains give you a birthday greeting.  By the way, that is your gift this year hehehe.

Hit the jump to see a few more shots of the Wapiti.

Actually, this bull was taken back in May 2014 while on a pass through the Rocky Mountain National Park.  Yep, back a few years ago – the good times when we weren’t being forced to cower in our homes and behind a mask.  I was actually out there to get a bird, the Ptarmigan, that hangs out above 10,000 feet.  The Alpine Ridge Trail area near the visitor center seemed like a perfect place to get that checked off – so I thought.  Three visits now and I’ve struck out every time.  The good news is you can always find Elk out there to fill up your digital cards.

Sometimes they come right out on the road to greet you. However, most of the time they just hang out in the fields and go about their business.  Grazing on grass and discussing the latest developments in running gear and antler-care so they can look their best as they shed their winter weight and coats.

… so they can catch the eye of a lucky lady…

This particular female was busy checking out the eligible bulls from atop a nearby  ridge.  I’m pretty sure she was checking out who had the best looking running shoes (and we all know it’s all about the shoes hehehe).

Well, I need to get back to the grind of getting the trail ready.  Just wanted to put a few shots out there for you to enjoy before we head into October.  Hopefully things will have settled down by then.  Although not exactly sure that will be the case as the political season is kicking into high gear which means we are going to hear a lot of people doing this…

… talking out their ass. Take it easy everyone.. ooops, almost forgot to mention it is Linda’s birthday on Thursday – maybe I can get a and special guest to wish her a happy birthday too, especially since I haven’t had a chance to get her anything yet hehehe.