First day of spring 2010 and we have a foot of new snow. I headed out early to Waterton Canyon, an immensely popular
trail following the South Platte River as it spills out of the mountains. The trail leads a double life: its broad, flat, multi-use surface leads to picnic areas, fishing spots,
and seclusion within easy reach of Denver and suburbs but it also serves as the eastern terminus for the Colorado Trail which travels 473 miles through some of the wildest and most
inaccessible country in the Rocky Mountains.
Almost done with my 12 mile hike on this first day of spring. The snowy road had become muddy, pants were wet and back was aching for a place to rest when I heard this rustling noise on the
cliffs to my left. There was a herd of mountain goats - many very young - feeding on some of the vegetation popping up thru the snow. After pointing my camera, something caused them to all
jump and scurry - they are a very skittish creature. I got this guy just as he is ready to jump.
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