Going to the Sun... at least partway (5 images)

While crews are working to clear snow in the higher elevations, Glacier NP's Going-to-the-Sun Road is still only open about five miles, to the Rising Sun Campground. That didn't keep a co-worker and me from taking an evening drive yesterday. We took in an especially calm, almost glassy, Saint Mary Lake. We also saw some elk way off in the distance, too far away for any decent images in the fading light. 

But then, as we had almost finished to drive, a young elk came casually strolling toward us on the road. We slowed to a stop and rolled down the window. Then quickly grabbed a few shots in case he bolted. He didn't! Rather, he turned to look at us as my shutter clicked away, then continued his stroll. 

What a wonderful experience, especially the close encounter of the elk kind!