At Last - Elk

Since the day I arrived with intent to live here in Clallam County, I've been on the lookout for wild Roosevelt Elk. I have spotted them on previous, vacationing visits. The last time had been on the drive over to Neah Bay, which is as far northwest as you can get in the lower 48. So I know they are here - somewhere. Forward to a sightseeing drive with my friend Barbara on our way from downtown Sequim, to our homes. 

Full grown rackadoodle with  coloring 

of the  youngster we spotted

I took the 'scenic route' driving from Washington Street and curled around Washington Harbor road. I didn't drive to the end of Washington Harbor, which about a week ago got us a view of a raccoon mom and her kits, racing across the road. Shortly after that, with classic Disney timing, the tiniest baby popped out of the shrubbery, not only adorable, but a rare lutino - partial - albino After staring at the car in abject horror, the tiny thing ran back into the shrubbery, there it continued staring. I was so befuddled & charmed I didn't even grab a camera for a shot. I know. I'm an idjit. 

So no raccoons today, but we drove on past the dairy farm, with it's bjillions of black & white Holstein cows. Then we took the winding Schmuck Road (yes, Schmuck Road). I was, natch, driving, and it was Barbara who spotted the herd of 22 elk off in the distance. The photo below gives you an idea how far off the herd was. 

So excited. We now live where one can spot magnificent Roosevelt Elk on a drive back from the grocery store! The herd consisted entirely of cow elk and their half grown calves-of-the-year. While some peacefully grazed on the grass, others were down, lolling on the ground, enjoying a nap or working on their vitamin D levels. 

I recently broke down, retiring my iPhone 6S plus, buying a Galaxy A20 Ultra. One of the main draws for me was the android includes quite the array of cameras. All the photos here (save for the raccoon) were taken with it. Not bad, not bad at all. 

I was driving, so uncharacteristically had my eyes actually on the road (can you imagine?). The entire herd would have one unseen without someone, with open eyes, riding shotgun. So I congratulate Barb on her wildlife spotting skills. Rest assured in future, gliding along Schmuck Road I will be scanning the distance for elk.