Earlier this week I went on business to northwest Oklahoma. On the way back I stopped at Gloss Mountain State Park.
The big hill at the park is called Cathedral Mountain. I didn’t know that it had such a grand name or I would have taken a picture of it. I didn’t so what you get is this pic from halfway up the hill back down to the parking lot.
The wildflowers were out and putting on a show even though it was overcast.
Most of the climb actually had stairs. The last fifty feet was kind of hard.
I went up looking for a geocache which I didn’t find. What I wasn’t expecting was the many birds soaring. The wind was strong on the ground. At the top of the mountain hill it was even stronger. The birds were soaring. The effect was magical as they dipped up and down and all around.
As I walked the length of the mesa I saw more and more birds.
I was surprised when about 50 feet in front of me two full grown turkey vultures came out of the hole in cliff, took a look at me and took off.
There was a teenager, about half the size of the adults, looking at me with scorn before he took off.
I got close to the end of the mesa. About a mile walk and I could see Lone Mountain across the way.
The mesa narrowed in spots to where it felt like I was on a sidewalk in the sky.
The whole time I had an escort. I guess they were waiting to see if I fell off the cliff or got bit by a snake or something.
You could see forever at the end. That spot of water in the distance is the historic Cimarron River.
The vultures stayed with me the whole way. Nothing gets your head on straight than being shadowed by vultures.
Camera Critters
ps: In researching this post I came across a Tulsa Wedding Photographer who did a photo shoot of a model in a wedding dress on top of Cathedral Mountain Hill. Some outstanding photos.
What a beautiful place! And you did get some terrific shots! I always love the trips/adventures you take us on!! Fantastic shot of Lone Mountain! Enjoy your weekend! Stay safe from the storms!!
Sylvia
That is quite some scenery from the top. I bet those huge turkey vultures can find your geocache loot for you. 😉
Great views from the top of the mountain/hill.
I always wonder when the condors or vultures soar over the canyon trail, are they waiting for me to go down. 😉
Beautiful photos especially Lone Mountain. I understand that when circled by vultures it is not a good time to lie down for a nap. When you see those big birds soaring around on the air currents you have to think that being a buzzard would be kind of fun. I mean the diet sucks but all that soaring has to be cool.
So–just one geocache in the area? Or were you still wiggy about rattlers?
I made a jaunt up those stairs a couple years back looking for trailz. Not too much once you get to the top though. I’d like to go back when I had time to explore more. My post from that trip is here. http://www.trailzombie.com/search/label/Colorado%2FNew%20Mexico%20Trip
Beautiful scenic shots. The turkey vultures seem to be everywhere. they are beautiful to watch in flight. Have a great weekend!
Beautiful pictures and scenery!
Colletta
Wow, what spectacular sights! Nice images.
I love that last line! Yep, turkey vultures will keep your feet on the ground.
Beautiful area.
What marvellous countryside! Lovely shots.
Fabulous photos! Amazing place.
Kay, Alberta, Canada
These are great. I love the look on the face of the one who is on the ground looking up. He’s patient with the paparazzi
Beautiful views and I love that red soil. Hmmm. A vulture looked at you with scorn? I wonder what that was all about!
I still think of these guys as buzzards!
Don’t think I could make it to the top … looks like a long, though beautiful, haul. As for the Turkey Vultures, I love them. They are so interesting and so ugly they are cute. They do a very important job to keep things clean naturally and stop the spread of disease among the animals and birds. They aren’t interested in you until you are already carrion, so fear not.
Andrea @ From The Sol
http://www.fromthesol.blogspot.com