On the final afternoon of my return visit to northern Nevada, I almost went out of my way to go the opposite direction of the horses. I knew that the trio was grazing about a mile or so south of the lake, but I wanted to sit by the water and so I walked to the lake instead. After hiking a mile and a half, I picked a spot on the west side of the lake and I began to photo a few of the shore birds. I'm simultaneously completely surprised and also not surprised at all by what happened next. The horses must have taken notice and decided to join me. They didn't run at full speed, but their direction was deliberate and unmistakable. Of all the spots along the shore to visit, they again walked right up to me. Perhaps I was just a novelty in their simple lives, perhaps they liked the company or perhaps it was something else. Regardless of the reason in their minds, I am fascinated and bewildered that they would walk over a mile and repeatedly join me.

On this afternoon, they walked right up before heading on past to the lake to quench their thirst. Shortly after, they walked right back and grazed around me. The light was fading, and it was time for me to say good-bye -- perhaps for the last time. I'm not sure if I will ever see them again, but it was great to see that they are still thriving in their isolated island in the northern desert of Nevada.