2015, Day 9: Wildlife Photo Op

No tailwind today. The land is pretty flat, so even though there are hills, they are hardly worth mentioning. What is worth mentioning-- wildlife. First hill coming out of Shelby, the shoulder was very narrow, maybe 8 inches wide, and I was riding within it. Lying right alongside the shoulder in the grass was a 4-foot rattlesnake. I think we saw each other at about the same time. He hissed and headed into the grass. I swerved to the left. By mutual agreement we went our separate ways and didn't bother each other anymore.

A little later I was riding along some wheat fields. About 50-60 yards away, an antelope (I think) was just standing out in the field. I stopped and took his picture. He didn't even move. Just a few minutes later, I came upon another standing just 20 yards off the road. I stopped and said to him, "Can I take your picture?" He was standing sideways to me with his head turned toward me. I took a picture, then he turned his head sideways to me as if to say, "Would you like a profile shot of me now?" So I took his picture, got on my bike, and continued on my way. Meanwhile, he stayed there waiting for the next photo op. One more: yesterday I was riding along and a gopher took off across the road in front of me with a little bird in hot pursuit. The bird would peck his rear end and he would run faster-- peck and run, peck and run. The bird must have had a next close by that she didn't want him anywhere near. So, not so much scenery now, but entertaining nonetheless. Ended at Rudeyard; camped in Havre.

#Animals #Wildlife #rattlesnake #picture #Rudeyard #antelope #gopher #bird