A young bull grazes in lake weeds
Moose calf near the Parks HighwayCopyright 2007 Lydia Hinshaw
DENALI NATIONAL PARK, AK -- Prince Charming had just mentioned that we ought to be able to see a moose in this lake, when I spotted one on the other side.
Almost immediately, the moose started swimming across the lake, headed for a spot not far down the Triple Lakes Trail. We ended our rest stop quickly and set off on a course to intercept.
When we got there, another hiker was already on the scene, gesturing for quiet. The three of us were able to stay there for perhaps 20 minutes, while the young bull slurped up weeds from the lake-bottom 25 yards away. The clicking of our camera shutters would sometimes cause him to look toward us, but we were behind some trees and he didn't seem to be able to see us.
Finally he grew tired of the lake-buffet, walked out of the water and, yikes, noticed three humans standing there watching him. He panicked and galloped off into the woods.
Later, driving home, I saw another moose near a dirt road just off the highway. The Prince pulled over and did a U-turn. This turned out to be a cow moose and her calf. The cow quickly disappeared into the woods, but the little fellow was curious and stayed around long enough for me to snap three frames.
Tomorrow I go back to trying to help tourists spot animals from a bus. I wish it were always as easy as it was Wednesday.
Almost immediately, the moose started swimming across the lake, headed for a spot not far down the Triple Lakes Trail. We ended our rest stop quickly and set off on a course to intercept.
When we got there, another hiker was already on the scene, gesturing for quiet. The three of us were able to stay there for perhaps 20 minutes, while the young bull slurped up weeds from the lake-bottom 25 yards away. The clicking of our camera shutters would sometimes cause him to look toward us, but we were behind some trees and he didn't seem to be able to see us.
Finally he grew tired of the lake-buffet, walked out of the water and, yikes, noticed three humans standing there watching him. He panicked and galloped off into the woods.
Later, driving home, I saw another moose near a dirt road just off the highway. The Prince pulled over and did a U-turn. This turned out to be a cow moose and her calf. The cow quickly disappeared into the woods, but the little fellow was curious and stayed around long enough for me to snap three frames.
Tomorrow I go back to trying to help tourists spot animals from a bus. I wish it were always as easy as it was Wednesday.
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