Contemplating Buffalo

Posted on October 26, 2013 by Monica

Over the River and Through the Wood – Oh, and Through the Buffalo Herd – We Go

We didn’t really go over the river, Pelican Valley bridgebut we did have to go through a large buffalo herd.  On our hike into Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley, buffalo were on the move far from the trail.  Hayden Valley herd

On our return trip, however, they were close by, Hayden Valley buffaloon and around the trail, too many to skirt without hiking extra miles.  So in we plunged, cows with calves giving us the eye, large individuals picking their heads up to look, expressions of indeterminate intent on their faces.contemplating buffaloWe reached a clump of trees and waited quietly, hoping to accustom them to our presence.  Some, not close by, were making a deep lowing, almost a growling sound.  We had heard this sound from afar earlier in the day and prayed it was not directed our way.  When they began to graze again, we continued to walk.  My steps were slow and deliberate, accompanied by a soothing Sanskrit chant.  At least it calmed me down.  The buffalo seemed mildly interested.  They kept chewing and did not get up.  Please don’t get up!

Almost through the herd, I turned around to see someone in ranger’s uniform close behind me.  He was almost running, his two walking poles moving at race speed.  So much for slow and deliberate.  My first thought was that he was hurrying to give me a ticket.  But he thanked us for showing him the way!  Oh, and thank you for not stampeding them!

 Here’s the picture I took when finally through.  herd on the trailThey don’t seem bothered, do they?

This entry was posted in buffalo, national parks, Nature, wilderness, Yellowstone and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

14 Responses to Contemplating Buffalo

  1. Pingback: Elixir of Ornery Moose | Sweet Planet Poems

  2. Monica says:
    November 9, 2013 at 4:41 pm

    Hi Carmen, It really was an experience. They are something, indeed!

  3. Carmen Mandel says:
    November 8, 2013 at 11:17 am

    Wonderful and beautiful creatures so terribly exterminated. Lovely pictures on their peaceful lives. What an experience!.

  4. gita4elamats says:
    October 29, 2013 at 11:05 pm

    Yes, it is a 2-way street. Wonder what they think of us!

  5. Monica says:
    October 29, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    Hi Laz – yes, thankfully!

  6. Monica says:
    October 29, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    I won’t! I agree with the “Eeeek”!

  7. Monica says:
    October 29, 2013 at 1:12 pm

    Hi Ela – Contemplate and be contemplated – or something like that

  8. lazfreedman says:
    October 29, 2013 at 6:47 am

    Big Beautiful Peaceful Beasts! 🙂
    Hi Monica

  9. bluebee says:
    October 29, 2013 at 4:45 am

    Oh my, Monica – don’t ever do that if you find yourself trying to traverse a herd of African buffalo, that’s all I can say! Eeeek!

  10. gita4elamats says:
    October 28, 2013 at 11:55 pm

    They are worth contemplating, indeed; thanks Monica!

  11. Monica says:
    October 28, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    That’s right, Gislinde – thankfully they are pretty calm creatures.

  12. Monica says:
    October 28, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    Hello dear Andro and thank you for such a nice comment, much appreciated

  13. giselzitrone says:
    October 28, 2013 at 7:04 am

    Einen lieben Gruß ja ich glaube die lassen sich doch nichts Stören schöne Bilder wünsche eine gute neue Woche.Gruß und Freundschaft.Gislinde

  14. Gray Dawster says:
    October 27, 2013 at 3:39 pm

    They look awesome though, I wouldn’t mind seeing these up close 🙂 This is a brilliant posting and your photographs are really clear shots, the only Buffalo that I have seen is in those Western films, but I certainly like yours better 🙂 🙂

    Have a wonderful start to your week Monica 🙂

    Andro xxxx

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