Honeypig, that plant is AMAZING!
Our family had a similar experience on a hike in the mountains where we grew up camping. Years and years at the same spot and we never saw a bitterroot flower until we 'randomly' stumbled upon one on a hike not long before my grandmother passed away. 'As well as being a symbol of pride to Montanans, the bitterroot flower is also the ultimate icon for re-birth and resurrection of spirit.'
Cool stuff, and I love the stories of how nature 'speaks' to all of us!
Grateful to head to those mountains this weekend with my family!