Close Encounters of the Wild Part 2

Once again I was able to retreat to the great outdoors. Only this time, there was just one encounter. And that encounter was a chipmunk whom I did not have to run from!

We always enjoy stopping at Natural Bridge, South of Big Timber, Montana. Constrained by a deeply cut chasm during high water, the Boulder River flows over a 100-foot precipice, creating the spectacular Boulder River Falls. The smell of pine surely opens the senses. The rolling trees engulf this beautiful place as the sound of rushing water draws nearer. And as I peer over the railing, I'm always astounded at the speed of this water fall...breaking its pace as it rushes through the tunnel and back out. The calls echoing through the trees, convince me that the chipmunks are quite aware of our silent presence.

We camped along the Boulder River at Hickspark campground which is approximately 50 miles South of Big Timber. The wagon trail road is far from ordinary. Full of potholes, large rocks and very narrow at every turn, the river flows just below as rocks tumble down the edge. The further up the mountain, the more narrow the road gets. But it's well worth it, camping in the remote wilderness.

As I enter the campground, I feel like I'm home. The smell and sounds are all too familiar. The trees are abundant with squirrels and chipmunks as they scuttle around collecting pine cones for their winter stash.

The elk have all gone to their summer range up the mountain, leaving the once encompased meadows bare. I am surprised to not see a single one as the forage is plentiful. But as the livestock returns and us recreational enthusiasts take up the land, it only seems natural that the animals would move on.

Other than chipmunks and squirrels, the only wildlife we had the pleasure of viewing were a couple of deer that ran out in front of us in our bumpy trek up and down the wagon trail road.

Since I didn't have the thrill of an encounter this time out, I've decided to list several links to others who have. Not all encounters are joyous ones. Many people have been seriously injured by wildlife. Every year you read about someone in Yellowstone Park being gored by a buffalo.

If you have a wildlife encounter that you'd like to share, please email me and I'll be happy to post it or feel free to post it under discussions.

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