On March 23, we started riding at 7000 feet off of the Taylor Mountain Road north of Vernal. What's that snow-dusted mesa to the west? Yep, it's called Red Mountain. Very imaginative. It's bigger than it looks. What appear to be bushes up top are really large Ponderosa Pine, probably at least 100 years old.
We climbed over hill and valley to 8400 feet, where we encountered snow drifts and soggy ground.
What's that hiding in the shadows?
A small herd of deer were resting in the shade. When we got closer, they spooked and leaped through the sage and over a hill. Daisy smelled them, but they were way too fast for her.
It looks like it is really warming up there! The snow is melting fast.
ReplyDeleteSnow and sogginess = cold and wet or, more likely, warming up. Beautiful, wild country.
ReplyDeleteHi Janie, Even though it was soggy, that area is gorgeous...Loved seeing the deer... Bet they wondered who was there in 'their' territory!!!!! ha
ReplyDeleteDo you know Loran (Many Rivers to Cross)? She lives in Vernal, Utah.
Hugs,
Betsy
THIS BLOG IS AMAZING...
ReplyDeleteS.
http://hipandchips.blogspot.it/
such incredible vistas!
ReplyDeleteBecoming Heather
You're correct that Red Mountain doesn't look that big. Glad you told us those are Ponderosas up there.
ReplyDeleteI bet it's cold at that elevation this time of year.
ReplyDeleteWhat magnificent view of Red Mountain, those Ponderosa Pines must be huge. That's a pretty snow blanket on the mountain tops behind Steve.
ReplyDeleteThank for sharing the trail ride, Janie.
Cheers :)
Red Mountain is very impressive even if the way to it was soggy. The snow-covered mountains in the background of your second photo are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteFunny how sometimes something very big can look deceivingly small, or vice versa, and it changing as you get closer or farther away.
ReplyDeleteI'll guess that Daisy enjoyed a snow drift or two. ;-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery, as always.
Wow - the air looks so pure up there. Just gorgeous!
ReplyDeletePerhaps not a very imaginative name but beautiful nevertheless...
ReplyDeleteLove the way those mulies stot away. Glad you were on horseback. I've slogged through spring snow when there was several inches of water underneath.
ReplyDeleteThat second photo is so clear it looks like I can reach into it. So appreciate that you share your rides with us. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of wide open space for a good ride and a romp for deer and daisy.
ReplyDeleteJanie, this is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing those sweet deer...glad they eluded Miss Daisy.
I love how the deer are all ears. As usual, wonderful pics. You spoil us.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics as always. What a lovely herd of deer. And thanks for visiting my blog regularly and leaving your nice comments.
ReplyDeleteOh, that first shot sure shows the wide open spaces! So grand that even ancient trees look small.
ReplyDeleteWe just passed through some of that God's country on our road trip, twice - I'm becoming obsessed with it!
ReplyDelete- The Equestrian Vagabond