Estes elk

When I think of Estes Park, I think of elk so it should come as no surprise that one of the first things I told Seth upon our arrival at Murphy's River Lodge was, "I'd like to look out that window and see an elk on our back porch."

Well, it didn't happen quite like that, but almost. 

We came back from our dinner ride Saturday evening and there was a whole herd of elk around the backside of the hotel.  Most were across the river, but there was one pair right in "our" backyard. 

I was hoping they'd stay there, but it wasn't long before they decided to join the rest of their group.

The bigger one led the way. 

He stepped into the water...

and stopped midriver to plot his course.

He walked a few steps downstream before he decided that wouldn't work. 

He turned and looked around... 

 walked past the big rock...

and stepped up onto the bank. 

 All the while, his little buddy stood on the other side watching.  This little guy didn't get his feet wet until he'd been shown the best way across!

May 2012