We Went Into The Woods Today

[Donna K & Quincy]

 Quincy and I went into the woods today to take a walk on one of our favorite trails and to see how much damage had been done by the recent visit we had from hurricane Leslie.

 

It was a beautiful day and we were sauntering along lamenting the fact that the wind had toppled so many trees. We were listening to the birds singing, the occassional squirrel telling us off for invading it's space and generally just soaking up the marvelous September day.   It was a very warm day and Quincy doesn't tolerate the heat well so we stopped to take a little break on our way up a long steep run of steps.

 

While we were resting a girl goes jogging by heading up the stairs ahead of us. A few minutes later she comes tearing back down the trail like the hounds of hell were after her. I thought to myself, humph, anyone can run down a hill. As she was flying by she shouted over something over her shoulder that sounded like "watch out for the spruce".  I thought, great, there must be a tree blocking the trail.  I gave Quincy some water and after our little break we continued on up the trail. We hadn't gone far when it suddenly became clear what she had said, it wasn't watch out for the spruce, it was watch out for the MOOSE!!!!!!!!!

There they were, a momma moose and two calves. Now generally, moose will bolt if startled but these beasts weren't going anywhere and were not the least bit concerned about a sweaty, huffing  momma and a panting  doodle.They just looked at us with their big moose eyes and kept right on with their leisurely dining. 

 If there is one thing that you do not want to do, it is to get between the mother moose and her babies, she will charge and can be very aggressive. Now I know with the proper motivation I could climb a tree but if I had to do it with a 65lb doodle on my back all bets are off.  So being very mindful of the position of each moose, I managed to get a couple of pictures before we had to beat a hasty retreat when the moose started to move down the trail towards us because some yoyo had come up the trail behind us and decided to try and scare the moose because they were in his way.

In all of this Quincy did not react to the moose at all, I think he either didn't see them or he was too warm to care. If I expected that Quincy was going to protect me should they decide to charge, I would be sorely disappointed. We often see moose tracks when we are hiking but this is the first time I have actually encountered a moose up close. It really did wonders to elevate my heart rate. :>)

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Wow. Great photos. Sorry about all the trees that got toppled but I love your moose. I am very glad my favorite Newfies came through unscathed.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Wow....quite an experience for you and Quincy.  I'm amazed that he didn't react at all.  It's great that you had your camera with you.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I used to collect them too. Still have them but no longer seek them out.  A good friend of mine lived in Alaska and could not figure out why I thought the smelly things were so wonderful. 

BTW--a really good setup Donna, I thought you were going to be crushed by a falling Spruce. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I can understand your elevated heart rate, Donna, but from where I'm sitting, this looks and sounds like such an amazing and thrilling experience! My DD collects moose figurines and objects, and seeing one up-close and personal like that (let alone babies!) is one of her dreams! She is going to be so jealous when I show her this blog!

It doesn't surprise me that Quincy didn't react. They seem to know when they encounter another animal who shouldn't be messed with. JD was the same way when we ran into a pair of coyotes. Quincy is a very smart doodle!  

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Wow!  I love it!  But, I know they are very dangerous.  That is a heck of a spruce.