too hot and freezing was a rude awakening in the morning chill of the mountains.
after breakfast, i took a hike down the hill to the river. following the path with the aid of a crumpled map i kept in my back pocket, i walked, climbed and slid down the trail, following the rushing sounds of the river.
when i reached the water a noise caught my attention. there, just a head of me perched in the trees was a pair of black guan, large black birds with blue-tipped beaks. i stopped and watched the birds until my not-so subtle attempt to see them better startled them deeper into the woods. they 