HIGHER GROUND

Views from 7,000 feet

By Sam Roscoe

October 11^th, 2014

WINTER WAS LOOMING

It was the second week of October in the PNW and the peaks were still free and clear from snow. I knew fall could turn to winter any time and the days were only getting shorter so I decided to spring out of bed at 4:30AM, pack my bag, and take a Tuesday by the horns (cough. foreshadowing.)

TOP OF THE ROCK

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UNICORNS OF THE ROCKIES

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“Holy shit.” -Me

After reaching the summit I sat down to take in the incredible landscape and enjoy my lunch. Twenty or so minutes later, just as I finished my PB&J, I heard a faint huffing sound behind me. I turned around and to my amazement, a mountain goat had appeared from behind a rock ledge about 10 feet away!

Standoffish and curious, it waited patiently for me to move myself out of it’s way. I slowly stood up and moved my pack to the other side of the peak. Over the course of the next hour, five or six of them enjoyed the view with me.

The opportunity to hang out with these real life mythical beasts for an afternoon was an unforgettable experience. Powerful and majestic in their winter coats, the mountain goats commanded respect while at the same time seeming gracious and accommodating. Effortlessly hopping from ledge to ledge, they would stoically survey the hills below from their 7,000 foot perches. When it was time to head back, I wished them a good winter and promised to visit again when the snow had gone.

UNTIL NEXT ADVENTURE…

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