The first afternoon and evening of my Pryor Trip, I spent in the Dryhead and Lower Sykes. Within that time I was able to see: Fools Crow and Band (from a distance). Four bachelors: Hawk, Issaquah, Kememerer, Joseph. They were together. Fiero and his band. The last time I saw this band, it was from a distance, so it was good to see them up close. Bakken certainly looked pregnant to me. I hope if she is, she has her foal soon. I also saw Blizzard and Cascade right along the road, drinking from a mud puddle that had formed from a recent rain. Almost the same spot I saw him in early July. But then he had Strawberry, Cascade and Sacajewa with him.
From there I wanted to go to Lower Sykes. It was early evening, and I knew my chances would be greater to see some of these elusive horses as they went to drink at one of the water catchments. My timing was right.
As I arrived, Bristol, Kitalpha and Nova were heading down a path right in front of me. They had just finished with their drink from one of the catchments. They seemed more relaxed with me this time, and walked right towards me, instead of away from me. (Last month they saw me front about 1/4 mile away and left). The light was perfect, making the land and especially the color of Nova show up beautifully in the early evening sun.
The last time I saw Kitalpha (in August), I thought she looked like she had put on some weight. She does look a bit better, but she still looks like she could use some more. She still has that pop-belly, just like when I saw her in March, 2012. Worms? I wondered. You can read about that post and learn more about her by clicking on Kitalpha.
They stayed grazing around me for several minutes before moving on. It was such a gift to spend so much time with this little family.
I will be going to the mountain again, sometime in October. Depending on the weather. The season of set dates has passed now. Where did the summer go? It passed so quickly. I feel so lucky to have been able to spend so much time with these beautiful creatures.
Sandy
