Tender Leaves 2023
I thought about staying warm and dry. Taking what shots I could from the comfort of my car. Though there wasn't a good reason not to get out. I had a raincoat; my camera had a raincoat. "But" my lazy self says, "the car's so cozy, it's early, my coffee's right here and I probably won't get any good photos." Then I see someone else with camera in hand walk by. Call it competition, FOMO, or inspiration- I am putting my raingear on. 15 minutes later I am experiencing one of the most incredible elk encounters. As I hid from their view on the cabin porch, they grazed and mosied about, inching closer. I decided it best to get off the porch before I was surrounded and too close for comfort. I headed back down to the trail. Watching in wonder close to 40 elk go about their morning business, without a care in the world regarding the rain. I spotted five large bulls among the herd. Then this cow, reaching for some tender leaves. She appeared so graceful, so calm. So often our attention goes to the big, powerful and impressive. But here she was average and simple, doing ordinary things, and she was beautiful.