Originally Posted by
walknrow
I had to smile at Baxter S.P., hearing the shouts of "moose," here and "moose" there with every siting. Usually, they were in a creek and too far away to catch even much of a glimpse.
And then, on my hike to Chimney Pond, just wandering along, marveling at it all, and looking at the ground alot to keep my footing, well, I look up, and right in front of me, I'll be generous, and say oh about 40 maybe 50 feet, was mama moose and calf.
There wasn't much I could do, with a steep wooded bank to the left of me and drop-off to the right...I ended up bracing myself against a sturdy tree on the drop-off side...and waited for her to pass. (In writing this, I kind of wonder why I didn't just walk back down the trail a piece...?? On the other hand, I know what effort it took getting up it!) Pass she did, walked right by and I could have reached out and petted her. She stopped not too far down trail, and waited for her calf. Left behind, it called and called, but mama stayed put. Eventually the little one walked up the bank into the wooded area, keeping a wide bearth around me, and then the two went on their way.
I stayed put, and never said a word. Took a few pics, but it looks like ghost-moose. I didn't have "steady-shot" on, (didn't even know how to put it on), and admit, I even have shots of some signs that are blurred.
After the whole adventure, there were a couple hikers who had been up-trail and saw the whole thing, amazed. Still makes me smile.
Same trip a day or so later, on the road to BSP a young buck was crossing the road. With no traffic, I slowed and stopped, keeping an eye on the young 'en. He had entered the woods and stopped, and stood watching me. I did get a shot of him, titled "Watching you, watching me." My favorite pic of the whole trip. And then a car came, and he turned and was quickly out of sight.