"This is dangerous country, young man. I really don't recommend that you go up there, until you get a bit more experience under your belt. I've been guiding in this area for twenty years, and even I think twice each time I visit Billygruff's Peak. No, I think it's better if you try Goat Ridge."
"Are you sure there are still mountain goats around? I've been looking for the last hour, and haven't seen anything but snow and rocks," said Cal, forkful of potatoes in his right hand, binoculars in his left, held up to his eyes.
"That's Goat Ridge you've got your eyes glued to. It's steep and dangerous, but can be doable if you know the country. Sometimes you'll see goats, but they usually prefer more dangerous terrain. Billygruff's Peak is way off in back of it. You can barely see the peak from here in the restaurant on a clear day," explained the guide.
"I'd rather go for a guaranteed sighting, Wade. This is my first big assignment, I need to bring back some great shots," replied the young photographer.
"Even if you don't get the goats, you'll see grizzly, cougar, and elk in the low country," the guide suggested.
"No... I need the goats. If we see any other animals on the way in or out, that'll be the icing on the cake," Cal said stubbornly.
"It's up to you... But don't say that I didn't warn you. It's steep, remote, and deadly," grumbled Wade.
"Noted. Honestly it's not only about the job, I've always wanted to see them in the wild," admitted Cal.
"Well that's about as wild as you can get. Let's head out after you finish your breakfast," Wade replied.
Several hours later:
"This is as far as the four-wheelers go, I hope you broke in your hiking boots," Wade announced.
"I've been ready for months! I can't wait to see all this country from Billygruff's Peak," exclaimed Cal.
"Then let's get moving, we'll camp at the base of the mountain."
"Why not just keep going until dark, then pitch camp? We have hours before dark, don't we?" Cal asked.
"Even the lower parts can be treacherous. And there aren't always good places for a tent. No, it's better to tackle the old man with a fresh start," said Wade.
"Makes sense," agreed Cal, as he hefted his frame pack, and followed the experienced guide further into the wilderness.
After hiking at a steady pace for about an hour, Wade stopped so suddenly that Cal almost walked right into his pack.
Without saying a word, Cal got his tripod off of his pack. As he set up his camera, Wade settled to the ground, giving Cal and his camera a clear view.
Not seeing anything, Cal remained still, but looked at Wade. Following Wade's gaze to a rocky area at the base of the mountain, he saw them.
A mother cougar, and her cub. The little one tried to follow her, and she whirled with the speed of lightning. Her swat sent him flying, and he protested with several loud squalls.
Satisfied that her brave explorer would stay put, she silently crept towards a small but lush valley, just left of Cal and Wade.
It soon became apparent that her interest was not in the valley itself, or even the clear stream bordering its far side. Every sense of the big cat was focused on the young bull elk, which was peacefully grazing on the tender grass.
As she reached the edge of the trees, she stopped. Stalking forward each time the big herbivore put its head down, soon she was within striking distance.
The next time the elk reached for a mouthful of grass, she sprinted forward. Moments later, she was on his back, trying to make her way towards the base of his neck.
Bucking and bugling, he ran towards the thick woods. Unable to lose his uninvited passenger, he tried another tactic. He rolled and rolled.
To avoid being crushed, the cougar was forced to abandon her perch. She patiently waited for the huge animal to stop.
Unfortunately for her, and the cub, this particular elk had plenty of energy, and was charging away the instant it was on its feet.
With a final snarl she stalked away, in search of easier prey.
"That was incredible Wade," breathed Cal, as he checked his pictures.
"It was a first for me too," grinned Wade, eyes shining.
"How about we camp here? There's a perfect view of the den site, maybe I could even get some photos of the cub nursing," suggested Cal.
"I don't know... If Mama doesn't find any supper, she just might try to put us on the menu. We'd have to sleep in shifts, and that's no way to start a climb. I had planned to set up camp over there close to where the den is, so the heat from the fire would reflect back towards us. But since that spot's taken, I guess we will have to move on," Wade replied regretfully.
"Then where will we camp?" Cal asked curiously.
"We can either go up a little ways, or right. Up would put us closer to our goal, but it would be more uncomfortable, not to mention colder. On the plus side, we could possibly watch the cougar family from a safe vantage point," said Wade.
"And if we go right?" Cal asked.
"There's a comfortable place under the spruce, about two miles away. It wouldn't be as safe from the cougar, but we should be far enough away... However, it's two miles out of our way, and we would have to backtrack tomorrow," said Wade, frowning.
"We've both got cold weather bags. And it's inevitable, we are going to be sleeping in the cold tomorrow night for sure. Let's go up. I want to watch the cougars!" exclaimed Cal eagerly.
"Up it is, then. Just be careful, it's going to be getting dark soon. One wrong step, and you'll have a broken ankle. Or worse..." Wade cautioned his client.
About a half hour later:
"This spot looks good. We have an overhang above, and a steep drop below. The cat won't be able to surprise us, and I think we're far enough away that she won't try," said Wade, as he examined the narrow flat space.
"It's cold, small, and hard. Not nearly as nice as the spot you had picked out. But this is much better than becoming cat food," agreed Cal.
"I'm glad you approve! I'm not too agreeable to being cat food either," laughed Wade.
Once the tiny camp was set up, the two men prepared a quick meal. Unfortunately it was too dark to see the den area, or search the area with binoculars.
The next morning:
"Hey Wade! Want some coffee?" asked Cal, as he sat with his tin mug in his left hand. The right one was adjusting a setting on his camera, which was mounted firmly on the tripod.
"Sure. Usually I'm the first one up," he replied chuckling.
"I could barely stay asleep, I wanted to get in a little time watching Mama and Baby before we had to leave," admitted Cal.
"We can stay as long as you want. This is your trip, and you'll never find a more perfect place to watch cougars from," said the guide.
"I know, but we only have enough food for three days. And I want to see goats," Cal replied determinedly.
"You want to leave after breakfast?" asked Wade.
"Yeah... I guess we better," Cal replied reluctantly.
About two hours later:
"Over there. Right above us, and a little to the right. There's a big billygoat, almost on the edge," whispered Wade.
With a nod, Cal set up his equipment. After using every possible angle and setting, he packed up.
"There might be others with him. But eventually we're going to be discovered down here... Do you want to try to get above him?" asked Wade.
"Definitely. I want to get him from a different angle, and if there are others, it should be easy to spot them from up there," whispered Cal excitedly.
After a dangerous and exhausting climb to the summit of Billygruff's Peak:
"I don't believe it, a whole herd!" breathed Cal.
"I've never seen anything like this before either," whispered Wade.
Both men looked on in wonder, as the old king of the mountain surveyed his domain. Awake now, he stood towering like a snowy peak. Nannies watched carefully, as their young raced recklessly on the deadly terrain.
Enjoying the moment, both the photographer and the guide gave silent thanks to the hungry cougar who had helped them to be in the right place, at the right time.
Describe what you see:
I see a mountain goat, napping in the sunshine. It's on a ledge, with the peak in the background.
Describe what you feel:
I feel like it's a privilege to witness such a sight. It was also probably an adventure getting there!