After not feeling well yesterday, I woke up today and thought to myself, I am going to get some fresh air, grab my camera and see where the road leads me. I drove around town for a bit and eventually ended up at a very large park here called Garden of the Gods. As I entered the park, the road goes one way for most of the drive, I noticed that traffic was moving very slow and quite backed up. I felt my heart start to quicken because last time it was like this, there was some interesting wildlife to spectate. Lo and behold, I get far enough up and see a herd of Rock Mountain Big Horn Sheep!

I haven't seen these guys in a good while. I didn't even see any of these sheep when I went up into Rocky Mountain National Park. The Big Horn Sheep is Colorado's State Mammal. Their horns are just fantastic to look at, with how they curve around the side of the head. In around October the males will challenge other males for the "right" to mate with certain females and actually butt heads/horns together until one backs down. Right now these guys, these are all males, are just finishing off losing their winter coats. 

I just love the fact that I can drive for 20 - 30 minutes and be in a park that is big enough for these sheep to migrate to and call home. I have seen a lot of other majestic animals as I have driven and walked through this park. Several months ago I was driving just past the entrance and saw a deer with a good sized rack just relaxing right about where this herd of big horn sheep was sitting. 

I have also seen several species of hawks in this park flying through the air hunting and resting in trees watching for movement. I almost never fail to get some sort of great photograph coming here, whether it is animals or landscapes. 

Even if you are not a photographer but just a nature lover or need a relaxing place to get away parks like this are amazing to go to. Right now things are hectic and stressful and being able to get away while still being home can make a huge difference in how you are feeling. 

Every state and city have their own benefits to reap, this is one of my city. I hope you have something like this for you where you live that can help you relax and take the edge off the stress surrounding you. 

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Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by.