Do we go on adventure to do SCIENCE! or do we do SCIENCE! while we happen to be on adventure? Does it matter?
Nope.
We went back to my newfound playground to look for the pikas. I'd heard them the last three times I'd visited. They're not shy. They didn't disappoint.
We saw pikas before we even got to the big rock fields. And of course, Clara stole my camera to take pictures. It seems like the only way I'll get ot use my camera in the long run is if I upgrade my lens and give her my current gear. Everybody wins.
Nobody else was around so Clara hunkered in and waited. I'm far less patient and wandered up through the rocks a bit farther. We both saw lots of pikas so it was a successful trip. My exploring identified yet another spot for me to visit before the snows come.
Pretty good trip for a paltry few miles close to home, right?