HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DUANE! WE HOPE ALL IS WELL!
Day 349 – It was 39 degrees this morning and sunny, not a cloud in the sky. Some campers were packing up early and leaving, and their campsites were not immediately being refilled. The weekend was ending for those going back to work. Most of the people we’ve been seeing appear to be retirees. We paid for another 3 nights here, then we will move on.
We took a drive, heading south then west, hoping to find the nearest gas station and place to fill a propane tank. It was 65 miles to Lewistown where we got gas in the Honda, propane for the RV, and Subway sandwiches to go for us. As we left the valley and out campground between the hills, and the Missouri River, the land flattened out again, the hills resuming (the Judith Mountain Range) closer to Lewistown. We saw farms and ranches once again, and a small herd of Antelope was feeding in a cow field. In Lewistown, on a city street, a young Deer walked down the sidewalk. We had lunch at a Park in town.
Rather than go back to the campground, and since we were already out and about, we went to check out the Elk Viewing Area. Supposedly the best time to view them was beginning around 4:30 p.m. We were early, but some cars were already lined up there. We got an excellent spot where last time a group of men were gathered taking pictures with cameras with huge lenses. Sure enough, soon after we parked, one by one, they each set up their viewing spot. We could hear their conversations and it was interesting. All buddies that return year after year and camping in different places in the area, they meet up at the yearly Elk Viewing Area Celebration. Most of them were taking video with fancy camera equipment, large tripods, drinking beer, and having a good time. They were saying that last night had been a let-down because the Elk hadn’t shown up until after dark. They stuck around for awhile, telling stories, then they all picked up their gear and moved to a different area up the road. Soon after they left, the Elk moved in large numbers, to our area.
We stayed for 4 hours. The Elk were bellowing and squealing almost constantly. Things appear to be moving along to a crescendo. You could smell the animal testosterone and it wasn’t pretty. Much of the time the Elk stayed close to the woods to get some shade. It was close to 80 degrees out. Later they moved out some into the field as it was getting darker. We were fairly close to them, and watching closely in case one was angry enough to charge. We were ready, if necessary, to dive into the car. The road was lined with cars and people with cameras and binoculars. The noises the Elk were making were amazing. I would not want to be a female or a male Elk. It’s all too much work! Luckily, there were no serious fights, although at times one would lower his head and charge another Elk, but the male being charged would back away. Phew. We left when the sun was setting behind the hills.
We had not expected to be gone all day. We had to apologize to the girls and give them extra dinner. We could still hear the Elk bellowing in our heads when we went to bed.
