As we departed from the Sperry Chalet Dining Room on July 21st, my husband hushed us just above the wooden bridge across Sprague Creek. On the other side a mountain goat inched down the cliff and approached the bridge. Just behind him were a baby and another mountain goat (presumably the mama goat). They trip-trapped across the bridge, fully aware of our presence. That protective papa goat waited for his mate to cross. Their baby goat followed, and he took up the lead into the snow field to our left. As I trekked down the Sperry Trail to Lake McDonald Lodge, thoughts of Lise Lunge-Larsen's version of "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" in The Troll With No Heart in His Body echoed in my mind. Margie Palatini's funnier, non-traditional version in The Three Silly Billies (humorously illustrated by Barry Moser) joined in as we neared the warmer temperatures and motor traffic on Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Checking under the bridge for the troll was not on my mind, due to the rushing creek water, but I imagine he might have been part of the scene too.
Wow! They are normally so shy, aren't they? How thrilling to have been blessed with this scene!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful bridge. I think the troll living under that one would be modest and most agreeable.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fortunate sighting! And what a great photo! Trip trap indeed!
ReplyDelete