This dear came up so close that I temporarily lost focus!
Deer clearly have the right of way in the High Sierra. The doggie seemed too stunned to bark!
Kind people, and dogs, yield to them, and they seemed to expect this from us, smart dears.
We could have easily touched them, but didn’t.
They fawns even nursed in front of us, but I spared you the photo because it was mostly fawn tushy!
They have such a pretty home,
and it is quite an honor to share it with them.
The photo below is Devil’s Postpile which was created about 100,000 years ago from lava flow and is made of basalt. Glaciers later carved and polished the stone towers which are up to 600 feet tall. Devil’s Postpile is a 798 acre National Monument established in 1911 that hopefully will remain a monument and protected. It is transected by both the Pacific Coast Trail and the John Muir Trail.
Cheers to you from the dear-deer in the Eastern Sierra~
Those deer’s were not scared for much π
This is an amazing beautiful area, Cindy :–)
I couldn’t believe them walking right up to us and staying! Even the dog didn’t phase them…..
schonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn (*L*)
Vielen dank mein lieber Freund!
vielen dank auch lieber Cindy &ich wΓΌnsche ihnen Herbst zeit tollzeit und schon dienstag noch!!!(*L*)se
Ich liebe es so Leute wie dich zu treffen! <3 π¦
this is a honor to me, many thanks for this invitation, it will be real one day from diving from authors and photographers give the event with security in the coming summer when god wiel, until then !!!!!!! !!!! only patience!!!
The Devil’s postpile is something to behold. I love those big brown eyes of the deer. They are so charming.
Deer are soulful, beautiful creatures~
Yes they are.
<3
What beautiful photos Cindy! Being so close to deer is such a gift π
Yes! I have no idea why they let us get so close, especially to the fawns.
Fabulous post π
Very happy you enjoyed & cheers!
I really did ππ€
This is a mama and two fawns who look about ready to be on their own, although they are still nursing.<3
Lovely, we have deer near where I live but they never come that close! ππΉ
π¦
ππ
Beautiful post, Cindy!
Merci beaucoup!
What a lovely place they have to live in! We had a deer in my front yard one summer when Domer was little. I imagine it got separated from its kin. Several of us neighbors were outside looking at it up close, and it was a beautiful creature! Eventually, it ran off. Thanks for sparking that memory!
I can see why it stayed in your memory. Normally they are so careful about keeping their distance~
wow they were not shy at all! great shots π
They must know some people who have been very kind to them~
For sure π
π¦
I remember on a visit to the Olympic Mtns. being astonished that the deer there were nearly tame, used to being safe around humans. These dear deer live in a beautiful, hunter-free paradise!
You can hunt deer close to where I saw these guys, so it is a bit of a mystery why they appeared so tame. They must have contact with people who love them. I hope they don’t get shot.
Beautiful creatures. I remember taking my Mum to Compton Acres in Poole where they had just opened their deer enclosure. Mum as entranced as Hubby stayed really still and curiosity was getting the better of one deer which was getting closer and closer to him. Mum held her breath, and then two ignorant women came chattering by slamming both gates shut totally oblivious of the moment and shattering the mood.
So awful! I know just how the three of you felt. So frustrating. Sometimes I wonder why people want to visit natural places if all they are going to do is talk and make noise. The first time we visited The Ancient Bristlecone Forest (the oldest living trees in the world), there were two women close to us on the 5 mile hike. They gossiped loudly the entire way. We couldn’t get far enough away from them to not hear them. They should have just gone to the mall.
I’d have offered to buy them tea!
That is such a good idea! π Maybe they would stay and drink it! π
Such adorable pictures. π
Very happy you enjoyed them Lynette & cheers to you!
In the Japanese city of Nara they got this park where ‘wild’ deer roam. The animals expect you to feed them (there are old ladies selling bags of fodder) and if you don’t hand them over the food fast enough they virtually rob you π Those stone pillars are amazing!
Oh how wonderful! I would so love to be robbed by a π¦!
Wow, fantastic!
Grazi mille!
That Devil’s Pile was interesting – thanks for sharing it with us!
Glad you enjoyed it~
I opened your post to that deer close-up and burst out with a laugh. How wonderful. I sure do hope that our parks and natural monuments are preserved. They are the legacies that we leave to future generations, and once destroyed, they’re gone. Photos help raise awareness, Cindy. Thanks for sharing your art and love.
Thank you for getting to the <3 of the most important part, the protection of our wild spaces, wild creatures, and natural wonders!
Love the close-up, Cindy!
He definitely was ‘ready for his closeup’!
Indeed! Lol
That’s very special, Cindyβ€ A beautiful environment too. Pawkisses for a wonderful dayπΈβ€
Same flying back 2U! π¦
It seems like they are re-evaluating many of our national monuments these days. I think they should be maintained with the only possible option a promotion to national park status. Mule deer all over one of our city parks this morning.
I agree with you completely.
Cindy your deer seem to be a bit smaller than ours, unless they are fawns. Our fawns have large spots on them which disappear when they mature. We used to run into deer, fairly regularly, while picking blueberries in the summer.
Leslie
I’m stuck on the imagery of picking blueberries……I’ve never done that! It sounds idyllic. These are mule deer, two almost grown fawns and a mama. They should be about ready to go off on their own, although they are still nursing.
Cindy it was a real tradition in our family. Even when the children were in diapers, we would take them out with us to pick berries. They would sit there in the blueberry patch and stuff them into their mouth. I froze the berries and we had enough berries for pancakes and pies all winter. Yum – the wild berries are smaller than the cultivated ones and their flavour is more intense.
Leslie
It sounds like the way the world ought to be. It sounds divine~
https://i.pinimg.com/236x/23/e8/fa/23e8fadbcb78d8396e47500cd13f0aaf.jpg
It was indeed.
<3
WOW, did they come close! Lucky you! π
I have no firm idea why. But I was very happy they did!
that first picture was a heart stealer.!! you are on the road again? hugs
We are home now. These photos were taken about two weeks ago when we stayed in the cabin on the lake~ π¦
Fantastic! Is this near you, or did you travel there? Are the deer protected from hunters here?
Wonderful shots!
Not protected unfortunately which makes their trust harder to decipher. These photos were taken in the Eastern Sierra about two weeks ago, which about a 7 hour drive from The Holler~
π¦
On Long Island, NY the deer population is so large (despite hunting) they are considered a pest. We use to have two families of over a dozen total that lived on the hill behind us. They could clear any fence, and devoured hostas, daisies, and sometimes roses! Nurseries and orchards go state funds a decade ago to build 10-12foot fences. Deer also are carriers for Lyme disease, which is now endemic in the northeast and causes some very bad problems. So I am glad to know there are still regions where deer are a pleasure to meet!
Yikes. Your deer sound like our coyote. We have no deer at The Holler because the coyote packs would kill them immediately, so seeing deer is always a thrill for me.
Great shots!
Grazie Bette!
Wow! Wonderful! π
The deer around here (in Illinois), with all the crass-crazy hunters, sure do not act like that!
These deer are in a hunting zone too, so I have no idea why they were so trusting. They were utterly calm and so beautiful and healthy looking~
Deer are wonderful creatures. Your pictures are perfect. What a beautiful setting as well.
They are graceful, and gentle and wonderful. Thank you for knowing! π¦π¦
Always enjoying being out and about with you – the rocks are so interesting
I love having you hike along with me Diana! π¦
Fantastic!
So kind & so appreciated!
My pleasure, Cindy!
<3
What a treat to be in this wonderful place Cindy and the deer are so adorable! Thank you so much for sharing π€π xxx
Thank you so much more for appreciating the wonderful π¦π¦~
Awwww what cute Bambi’s! Sounds like they are really really smart! Hugz Lisa and Lucy
Maybe that is the explanation. They are smart and know who to fear, and not! π¦
They are so dear. Thank you for sharing the beauty.
Thank you more for appreciating it~ π¦
Didn’t you just luck out with the deer! Great photos!
Yes! It was such a wonderful surprise! π¦
I run out of adjectives when it comes to your posts. I love this so much. The pictures are charming and beautiful. Innocence and trust all rolled into one. How truly incredible. Thank you so much Cindy, for this lovely gift.
It takes a sensitive soul to respond and react the way you do, so my thanks go to you~ <3 π¦
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The deer is so close. It is so close that I think I could get scared. I know they are gentle and tame. The Devil Postpile monument is awesome. I really like it.
Deer are wild. They can be dangerous, especially in rut, so your caution is very wise. But these deer clearly were not the least bit aggressive, nor the least bit afraid. It was amazing! π¦
Smart deer. I think they understood that if they were on a public walkway they would be safe. Safety in numbers sort of thing. Very trusting all the same.
It is interesting. Normally deer here bolt as hunting is allowed nearby.
They knew they were in good company. π
Animals are so much smarter than we want to admit they are~
So incredibly beautiful!
Awww, so happy you enjoyed! <3
Always Cindy! <3
π¦π¦
ahh, so cute!
<3 <3
Breathtaking images of this gorgeous the Eastern Sierra. Sweet, lovely deer. π
Takes a sweet, lovely person to see this! π¦π¦
π <3
π¦
Lovely post!
Mille grazie Margaret!
Oh deer! Beautiful area. Some years ago when I and woman who was a programmer working for me, we had to go to Virginia to train people on software we’d written. We saw lots and lots of deer along the side of the road as we drove in from the airport around sundown. Our programmer was from Bosnia and had never seen deer. She was smitten, and I had to take her out driving every night we were there to look at the deer.
Virginia has a lot of deer, with tendencies to jump right in front of your car. It is good you spared her that experience!
Most of the residents hate them. I have a friend who recently moved back here after living in Virginia for 20 years. Deer ran into him on his bicycle and motorcycle many times of the years causing lots of damage and seriously injuring him in several of the encounters.
I rolled by car in Montana with my kids in it swerving to avoid two elk so I can relate to how scary it is. Still love the critters though…..
Idyllic, to say the least. I’m so envious! π
Head to your nearest mountains and you will be very glad you did!
The deers are so beautiful to watch, timid and elegant.βΊ
Exactly! π¦
Lovely photos. I was only at the Devil’s Postpile once and it was grey an gloomy. The sun certainly makes a difference. π
It is more remarkable than scenic, but I am glad you were there!
Me too.
<3
What an amazingly beautiful and serene part of the world and what a special moment to have those dear deers come so close. What a great photo op… thanks for sharing.
So lovely to have you back Pauline <3
ππ
β¬Β° β§β₯β§ΒΈ.β’*Β¨*.β’*Β¨*β§β‘β§*Β¨*β’.β₯Que Sierra Sierra, whatever will be will be, the photos are still awesome to see… β§β₯β§ΒΈ.β’*Β¨*β§β‘β§*Β¨*β’.β₯β¬ And the deer came too close and said, “I’m really quite fawn of you, my deer! ( ΰΈ·βΏ ΰΈ·ΚΖͺ)
Laughing…….
http://www.animateit.net/data/media/april2014/deer90.gif
β‘(.βΟβ.)β‘
You are just so awesome! <3
You’re too kind, my friend! (α¦Λβ‘Λ)β₯β₯
Wow! Loved the juxtaposition of deer/dear – oh, dear! And the Devilβs Postpile is impressive – I feel I should have heard of it before, but haven’t.
Don’t feel the least bit bad about not hearing about it. This is the first time I have visited it, and I have lived in California all my life. So I am the one who should feel bad!
Gorgeous photos and loved the information about the devils postpile!
Apparently they have several of these in Iceland~
What a beautiful experience with the deer so close. You must have felt really special that they trusted you all.
The Devils Postpone looks amazing. Thanks for sharing, Cindy.
Thank you more for appreciating and yes, the deers were very dear! π¦
Amazingly tame-looking deer
I have no idea why they were so tame, but it was a treat~ π¦
I’ll bet
<3
Beautiful lake setting. Thanks for sharing your dear deer friends. π And those Devil’s spikes are awesome!
Dear-deers, and devil’s postpiles all in one post! Thank you for appreciating the gimmish Brad!
LOL!
<3
Incredible basalt pillars! Wonderful shots of the deer. I wouldn’t have minded fawn tushy…I’m sure it’s pretty cute! π
https://media.giphy.com/media/HWgx3EEyEvJcs/giphy.gif
Wow. You were blessed to get so close. These are beautiful photographs πΌ
Ahhh, very kind of you & most appreciated too!
What the devil is a postpile? (Couldn’t resist.) Great joy to have shared your trip!
Who knows? Strange name for a strange formation. I can imagine it must have been a real puzzler for people without the benefit of geological explanations……
WOW!! What an experience. Thank you for sharing it.
Also, I’m so sorry I have been basically MIA from the blogosphere. Things have been shifting and changing so I got knocked off balance. Things are finally settling down so I should be able to keep up better now. π
Yay! So happy you are back! Life happens, and it is so very annoying when it interferes with our blogs! Seriously, sorry things were out of whack for you, and so happy to hear from you again. Be well, and Welcome Back! <3 <3
Thanks so much! Actually, all is well but I’m not very good at time management. I’m trying to change that so that I don’t get so far behind on things like blogging and reading my favorite blogs. I love the WordPress community and want to always have time to participate which means developing better time management skills. π <3
You know something, it doesn’t matter. The thing that is so incredible about the blogging community is that there are no rules about how a blogger should be. You get to be unique, wonderful, differently-time-managing, you! You can pop in regular as rain like I do (kinda boring…) or you drop by when you feel like it and give us some rays of sun. Blogging is for fun for you, so the only rules that apply to you, are ones you pick for yourself, <3 <3
Well said and I totally agree! <3
<3 <3
The deer are so sweet, and the Devilβs Postpile, stunning! We’ve visited so many lovely places through your beautiful photography, Cindy. Thank you, dear friend π
Ahhhh, you are the reason blogging is such a joy. Thank you more and hugs Tina! <3 <3
Pristine! A marvelous moment that is captured in time. Your photos are extraordinary, Cindy!
You are a wonderful person Rebecca <3
Speechless!
Awww, thanks so much!
Wonderful magic moments! π
Having wild creatures trust you is a high point in life. Thanks for knowing this <3
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Time for some magic from Cindy Knoke who shares the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Sierras.. Wow. #recommended..
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Wonderful, Cindy π
Thanks so much Sue & cheers to you!
That first photo made me gasp when it came up Cindy! So close and crystal clear– it’s amazing that they are so trusting of people! Our daughter-in-law sent us a video of 3 deer in their neighborhood in Ojai this week. Is there any animal more graceful?? And– we’ve hiked to Devil’s Post Pile a few times– really a stunning formation. And– loved the lakes– with this hot weather, you’re making me want to head north!! xox
I love Ojai. It is very similar to The Holler and we considered living there. Deer are amazingly graceful and soulful creatures. It makes me happy you recognize this Rhonda. <3
Cindy, your photographic work is stunning. I love the last one of the vertical columns in the cliff face too… it looks a bit like the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland
Thank you for your very kind words. I have read there were other structures like this in some parts of the world. I know Iceland is one place. Ireland must be another.
Why is everything in life so bittersweet? We have deer who visit our property every day. Once they even spoke to our goats! I didn’t know they made noises. But they also carry ticks with Lyme disease here in the Northeast. So it’s a love/fear thing for me.
Oh that first bit says it all, and I don’t know the answer, “Why is everything in life so bittersweet?”
Because that is exactly what life is, for all creatures, great and small.
I have no idea why this is.
I just notice it and feel it like you do, and it does make me happy that you notice it too. <3
Incredible those deer are so emboldened to come so close. π
Who knows why? It is a happy mystery.
Yes it is. π
<3
Cindy, that postpile is an astonishing sight. I know basalt can be found in amazing formations, but that’s astounding! RH
Imagine what the pioneers must have thought when they first saw it!
Hi Cindy, your pictures are amazing. I love them too much! And plus their habitat are gorgeous, virgin, and natural. Bless their hearts. Thank you for bringing us these beautiful pictures!
Thank you so much more for such a kind and considerate comment & cheers to you! <3
Deer certainly accommodate to human environments.
After seeing the formations of the Devil’s Post Pile last year, I was surprised how many other places along that section of the valley I saw hints of similar formations hiding just ground and trees.
-Oscar
Yes, apparently there are others around the world as well although I haven’t seen them.
Wow stunning!
Merci beaucoup! <3
Wow! Those basalt formations are amazing. And even more amazing are your dear deer photos! they’re obviously very used to people being around! Love it!
Someone is nice to them I suspect! <3
That looks like one nice walk! Love the close encounter with the deer π
Thank you. They were such a treat!
Ears… those huge ears!! <3
Better to hear you with ma’ dear! <3
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
More excellent photos of the Sierras by Cindy Knoke.
The π¦π¦π¦ and I thank you very much! <3
Ok, Cindy. 3 wows.
Hugs to you dear one <3
I’d love to visit California
Let me know when you do and I will help you plan if you would like and maybe even show you some sights if you have time~ <3
I loveππanimals
Hence, I love you! <3
What a beautiful place. Your deer photos are amazing, Cindy.
It was very thoughtful of the dear deer to pose for me like this! <3
The dearest!
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Cindy, these are truly gorgeous photos. We have deer that live here at the fish hatchery where my husband works, but the live off the land and are still skittish around people. They have even jumped the fence and been in our back yard, but we don’t feed them. I am surprised that those deer let people get so close! Amazing. π
I don’t know why they did either. This is a hunting area. It was quite a special surprise to us!
It is pretty great!
Yes! One of those ethereal moments that seem to mean something that is much bigger than yourself.
Devils Postpile reminds me a lot of Devils Tower – they must have been formed the same way. Beautiful shots!
Yes they look very similar but I think Devil’s Tower is much older geologically.
Wow! So amazing to experience deer so closeup and personal slong with the stunning views!
We are definitely much more lucky when we focus on the natural world, because nature is the best gift given to any creature on this planet.
Cannot stop grinning. Absolutely brilliant. Beautiful deer…what an experience. The deer in Georgia can be brash, too. One coughed at me before leaping across my path like she had just stepped on something squishy and unpleasant, poor dear. Another followed me through the woods, I believe thinking he was being inconspicuous- NOT. And then, at 3 AM, I awoke to a deer trying to munch my tent! This does not include all the herds we saw just prowling around, seemingly looking for trouble- reminded me of the packs of hoodlums from the film “The Wild One!”
Your images are absolutely stupendous. I really grinned when you talked about how stunned the dog was- HAR. Bully deer, too funny.
Regards,
smiling toad
Okay, I want to hike with you. You are the pied piper of deer! A walking deer attractant! I will just follow along and take the photos, while the deer chew off your shoe laces……
Thank you for such a wonderful comment that definitely made me smile~
Oh, lucky you! They are so sweet π
They are the gentlest creatures <3
Wow..smart deer..to confidently walk their space and that others respect it..
Critters are smarter than we want to believe!
Thats forsure..
<3 <3
Awww, you are such a dear to share the deer with us!!
I love that ancient Devil’s Postpile and I appreciate how you didn’t pet the deer! The people may give the animals germs or disease. . . The bat caves in Kentucky guides say a dirty purse may have infected the gentle and sweet bats with “white nose syndrome.” You know better and I am just adding this for those who may not. . .
Love you, Cindy! I was on my first airplane ride on Sat (11/14/17) to New Orleans for a too short day by myself and am relaxing in the Bayou with my old, college friend now. xo π
Such a magical city! I don’t have to tell you to enjoy yourself! Have a beignet or three for me & congrats on the plane ride. I hope you enjoyed it. I know you’ve been to Europe so you must have taken a ship. Let the good times roll in the Big Easy Robin <3
What a beautiful life you live. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you more for appreciating <3
Beautiful photos Cindy! I wouldn’t mind seeing a little fawn tushy π€£ And Devil’s post pile is on my list of must see items now, thank you.
You are definitely ticking off the best of the US. Good for you! You go girl! And I will too! <3
Deal! π
<3 <3
Gorgeous post
Ahh, so kind and so appreciated!
I’d like to live there with them