We almost took the alternate route on our return down the canyon but decided to go back the same way we came. As a result we came upon three wonderful bighorns. Two actually crossed the path about half way between Terry and us (J&A) so they were about 20 feet away from us. Totally amazing! They really didn't pay much attention to us except to make sure the "coast was clear" for getting to the other side of the path. The third just kept grazing and occasionally checked us out. No need for telephoto lens!
One of the park brochures talked about the bighorns being used to humans and therefore pretty nonchalant being near them. On the other hand, dogs are forbidden on the trails because the local wildlife sniff their scent and read it as a predator. When that happens, they avoid going to their normal water holes and feeding areas until the "predator" scent goes away. There are other reasons too, but I thought the predator scent was interesting.
By the way, when we left our campground in Borrego Springs this morning we had blue sky and sun. As we neared where Brewers and Wishards were camped the dust and wind picked up and visibility was down to about a football field. It lessened just about the time we got to their corner. But side winds were bad on I-10 and visibility was really poor until we reached Blythe when both improved.
ArdraF
