Sawtooth Spring Hiking and Mountain Lion

We spent Memorial Day weekend hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains

where we saw many wildflowers and lots of wildlife.

A watercolor of one of my favorite spots on the trail. I liked

the variety of landscape and how

it meandered through the wildflowers into the forest

with different textured hills in the distance.

During our visit we saw chipmunks, coyotes, deer, and what we

initially thought was a mountain lion but looking

at the photo I got, I think it looks more like a bobcat.

We thought it was a mountain lion because

they've been visiting local homes

and prowling through town.

I take a tiny sketchbook with me, and this is

my stylized drawing of a mountain lion.

I like how he turned out kind of warm and fluffy looking.

Our rental had a balcony with a terrific mountain view,

and the moon was rising.

This little bird kindly tolerated me sitting on the balcony drawing

each morning since her birdhouse is right near the table.

She'd fly up fast, buzz around a bit, take off. Repeat.

Waiting for me to go.

Cathie Richardson Illustration