Mt. Franklin hike, elderly moose, August 9th

[forestgnome]

This elderly bull was hanging out in a beaver bog about a mile away from the trail...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/franklin079.jpg




He has cateracts in both eyes and his antlers no longer grow very large. His muzzle has faded to light brown. In this image he had already picked me up. He looked concerned for a few minutes, raising his head to sniff me and shifting his ears around trying to figure me out. I don't think he could see me because when he looked at me it was more like a wandering gaze in my direction. He didn't make real eye contact. Then he dozed off for a while. It was slightly sad but very endearing and uplifting to watch this gentle old timer as he relaxed and dozed while standing in the shoulder-deep bog. I wonder about his experiences and if he has offspring wandering the forest. I wonder if I've seen his children.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/pbasebull085.jpg




I hadn't made any noises but he suddenly remembered my presence and looked in my direction again and decided to leave. It seemed like he was trying to move away from me so I said goodbye and made a purposely loud exit so he could hear me leave. I didn't want to disturb his world or make him needlessly burn precious energy.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/franklin086.jpg




lots of mushrooms in the persistantly moist forest...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/franklin058.jpg




http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/franklin031.jpg





lots of mid-summer wildflowers...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/franklin071.jpg




http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/franklin074.jpg




wild clouds flying around the ridge and summits...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/franklin014.jpg




I had a little visitor as I was napping and enjoying blueberries on this very peacefull afternoon on the Southern Presidentials...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l190/forestgnome/franklin011.jpg





happy trails :)

[KathyC]

Your words are as beautiful as your photos about the mature moose.

Thank you once again.

[mtruman]

Your new friends are magnificent - both the large one and the small. It's no wonder you are able to get near to so many of the creatures and bring back their portraits. I'm sure that they can sense how well you understand and respect them. Truly a rare gift.

[Charlie]

very very nice love your pictures

Walking with the Moose

[TrishandAlex]

Thank you for sharing these pictures and for telling your story.

[forestgnome]

Thanks for all the nice comments! It's a pleasure to share :)