I’m a big fan of the National Parks. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to visit fourteen of them over the years. Hiking any of the great trails in one is my favorite thing to do. Photographing any wildlife I may happen to spot along the way, even more-so.
At an altitude of over 6,000 ft., with a 2,047 ft. elevation gain, the 10 mile Grinnell Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park was rated as hard. In the early morning hours, as I was gearing up for my hike, I’d debated whether or not I was going to carry my heavy telephoto lens which would make my hike all the harder. I decided to take it, hoping luck would be on my side.
It was. About half way up, as we rounded a bend in the trail, my hiking buddy stopped, pointed up, and whispered “look”. A hushed reverence fell over me as I watched a breathtakingly beautiful big horn sheep casually walk out to a cliffs’ edge over the trail. The timing felt ordained.
He stood stock still, struck a power pose and turned his head left and right, seemingly to survey his kingdom. Or perhaps he was telling me to be sure to capture his good side. I slowly raised my camera, so as not to jinx the magical moment, and took my shot, feeling thankful I’d decided to carry my heavy lens. All the struggle I’d endured on this strenuous trail was worth it to have captured this stunning ram in all his glory.