Two weeks ago, we were up at Helen Lake, and after settling in for lunch, a very bold marmot approached our group. We figured it had been fed by other hikers, but it showed no interest in our food. Instead, it marched over to one of our backpacks and started licking the straps.
We were all pretty surprised, and stayed still to watch. In very short order, it became clear that the marmot had a major salt addiction. It visited each of our packs in turn, and then decided to try other options, eventually licking one bare arm and one pant leg. It was fascinating to watch, because we rarely get close to marmots. Everyone was so enthralled that we decided to give the marmot a name, just for the day. One of the guests settled on 'Clive'.
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| Clive discovers the motherlode of salt – hiking pole handles |
We figured it was a one time craving, like when you've just gotta have potato chips.
But we were back at Helen Lake yesterday, and so was Clive. His (or her – it's hard to tell) addiction had not abated, but this time Clive discovered something even better than packs – hiking pole handles.
We have another trip running to Helen Lake this Friday, on July 25, and we will be on the lookout to see if Clive is still there for another rare close-up encounter.
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| Clive entertaining our gang of hikers on yesterday's hike |
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| Clive the marmot checks out his namesake backpack |
