New job, new adventures. The Newfoundland Range has always been one of those objectives that beckon but are just out of reach. I’ve often stared at their beauty from the Silver Island Range or the Grassy Range, wondering if I’d ever make it out there. I felt lucky when my new job assignment required a series of trips out there in support of a bighorn sheep wildlife project.
Originally the project was supposed to be completed by helicopter – buzzing from one corner of the range to the next. But with COVID, the dream along with so many others. The tight cockpit of a helicopter was too much risk for my employer. Less risky, apparently, was a series of trips along the transcontinental railroad causeway and across a muddy expanse to reach to the range by truck. Even though I had been excited for my first helicopter ride, the trips out to the Newfoundland Range were beautiful and will be a choice memory.
Once on the range, our task was to hike to a dozen-plus locations across the range, scouting appropriate project locations. We ended up poking into many random nooks where few people have likely ventured. We visited old mines, found aging deer-sheds, scrambled up sharp limestone and avoided military jets on their training runs. Every time we were buzzed by these jets I thought an earthquake was pending. The deep rumbling terror was real.
The highlight was spending time with bighorn biologists chasing the animals across the range. The end of the project coincided with lambing season and spotting scopes were quickly trained on the high peaks where the lambs are born. I dreamed of bring one home as a new climbing companion.
With the surrounding salt flats and early spring light, the scenes were continually stunning. My only regret was not spending a few nights out on the range and not bringing my rope and rack. But that will come in time. I hope you enjoy the photos. As always, it’s nothing like seeing these views in person. But for me, it’s a great form of artificial memory.
Hey, don’t want to bother too much. My son is graduating with Env Bio degree and this is the sort of job he would enjoy. Do you work for a govt resource agency or non- profit?
Thanks for reading and the comment. I do work for a state govt agency. Most of the folks I work closely with are biologists who are focused on wildlife and habitat health. I’m just an archaeologist who helps work through red tape. Your son would likely fit right in. Sometimes getting a foot in the door is the hardest part. There are often internships available I can try to point in a direction if desired. Thanks again and best wishes 🙂
Hello Saltgrey:
Are you still at the state govt. agency. We want to see the salt flats around Newfoundland mountain basin this week-end. What is the best road to take. How far up are the mountaingoat guzzlers
My friends son is also looking for an internship this summer. Who should he contact.
Neale
Sorry I missed this comment. The best way out to the Newfies is the railroad road that leaves Lakepoint and heads west, along the side of the railroad. It’s about twenty five miles of bad road, including tire-destroying railroad spikes, but it’s amazing out there (take an extra spare tire). Leaving the railroad road and driving across the flats (on a road) is really bad and slick in wet weather.
I can’t share the actual location of the guzzlers, but if you look around on Google Earth I bet you can find them. It’s an amazing area – definitely worth the trip if you have the time and vehicle. Best wishes!
Great article. Thanks for sharing. Where is the bathtub spring located?
Thanks a bunch for reading. The bathtub is on the east side of the range, about halfway down. Lots to explore out there!