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High Places

October 21, 2007 at 9:45 AM

"Hurry, look, before it takes off!" My hiking partner pointed.

The mountain goat paused on the crest of the ridge, eyeing us cautiously before dashing off to the other side.

In a matter of moments, the small herd that accompanied him traversed the same ridge that had taken us the better part of an hour to cover, and headed for safer territory, among such treacherous angles that no other living creature would dare follow.

It suddenly occurred to me that the primary survival skill of the mountain goat is to become such an acrobatic elitist that its death-defying abilities buffer it from all predatory danger. Up on the crags, life hangs on the balance that exists solely between goat and mountain.

Fascinated, I brushed the snow from my gaiters and began my descent.

Beautiful photos, Emily. That's some rugged terrain there. Thanks for posting.
I can only say wow!
Up on the crags, life hangs on the balance that exists solely between goat and mountain. A beautiful thought and very well put, but there are golden eagles:-( Sorry, nature is brutal.

Love your photos and beautiful prose!

I'm impressed with these animals that hang on the edge of the sky, but also impressed simply with the sky itself...air....imagine it...
Gorgeous photos!
Yixi,it would be rare to see a golden eagle this far south in Alaska, although they do live further north and west. I'd hate to run into one...

Laurie, the air is good! The blue in the background of the first two photos is actually Cook Inlet. If you look closely, you can see the water's texture.

Those are incredible photos, Emily! Thanks for sharing.