What do the old timers say about the horse on the mountain? 

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The mountains in our valley are not only beautiful but are ever-changing with the seasons of the year and also the changing with the light during the day.  We watch them every day and notice rocks or valleys we hadn’t seen before.  Many of the rocks and valleys we don’t notice until the light hits them just right or maybe the snow melts a certain way.

The beauty of the mountains

Just like us, others have watched the mountains for years.  In 2017 the year these pictures were taken we had record snowfall, the mountains were loaded with snow. Our valley was flooding along the river and so the horse on the mountain was watched and waited for.

The horse shows up on the mountain above the reservoir in Mackay, Idaho.  No one can predict the date or time it will show up.  Predicting would be hard because it depends on the amount of snowfall we had that winter or if we had a wet spring, and how quickly it warms up.

The Horse above the reservoir in Mackay, Idaho

It is said by the residence of the valley the horse shows up at the peak of the runoff.  When we are at the high water stage in the spring thaw, the horse is a sign we are halfway through it.  In 2017  with the record snowfalls, the horse showed up around the end of May and first of June.

Puts the size a little into perspective.

(Just a thought)

It is funny when you step back and take a look at the full picture it puts a lot into perspective.  Just like life we need to step back occasionally and look at the full picture.  It has been fun to hear all the things people see in the picture up close. Now the picture is a little farther away what do you see?

About the valley

Our valley is called The Lost River Valley.  Another unique thing about our valley.  The river runs winding through and at certain times of the year will just disappear into the ground.  So you can see why it is called The Lost River Valley.

The Lost River runs into the Mackay Reservoir.  Our valley is a farming community and the water that is stored in the reservoir is very important to the farmers in our valley for growing crops.  The water is also used for recreation.  Mackay is a tourist town where people come all year round to ice fish in the winter as well as the rest of the year. The river is also enjoyed for fishing.

Other people may enjoy hiking, hunting, snowmobiling, and camping.  Many people come to our valley to enjoy and recreate.  Others may come to our valley just to sit, relax and take in the peaceful beauty.

If our mountains could talk imagine the stories they could tell.  The horse on the mountain is just one sign watched for every year.  Although we can’t see the horse on the mountain from where we live, we watch a snow drift on the saddle between two of the mountains by Pass creek.  When the drift breaks, that is our indication we are at the peak of runoff.  While it is not as majestic as the horse on the mountain, it is still important for us to watch.

Great place to visit

If you ever get a chance to take a vacation maybe you should include a stop in Mackay Idaho and enjoy the scenery in The Lost River Valley.  Mackay is a sleepy little town with plenty of things to enjoy any time of the year.

I hope you enjoy this post.  Feel free to share with others.  I love comments please feel free to leave them below.