We had hiked the trail, alongside the Wilson Moose Road,
hoping to see a moose or bear. The lush wetlands below looked perfect for
feeding moose and the bear warning signs both held promise but we didn’t see a
thing. We were almost to the car when we rounded a bend in the trail and there
was a moose and her calf only twenty-five feet away!
She watched us as we stood still and when her calf wandered
into some golden aspen she decided we were harmless and so started to browse
before following and then leading the calf into the thick copse of trees. Happy to have
such a grand birthday gift we returned to the car and headed further toward Wilson.
The road turned rough and as we were in George and Val’s
small car we turned around. Reaching the place where we had seen the cow and calf
moose a large crowd had gathered and were looking down at the marsh. Finding a
parking spot, we were able to watch the cow and calf feeding on aquatic plants.
It was now lunchtime and so we drove to Moran Junction and
Jackson Lake Lodge. The last time we had eaten there was at Matt and Patty’s
rehearsal dinner which was eight years ago. How time flies! The food was
actually reasonably priced and we enjoyed our meal. As we ate we spotted and
watched as a cow elk moved through Willow Flats.
Our next stop was to drive up the Pacific Creek road. Of
course we hoped to see a bear but it quickly became apparent that this was not
the time to be bear watching on this road. WE never spotted any berries and so
with no bear food there weren’t any bears. In fact, we never saw any elk, a
first for us in this area.
Still the leaves were beautiful and so we decided to call it
a day and head back home. Renita asked me if I wanted to keep the camera out
but I told her not to bother. After all we had seen the mountain goats only
once all summer. Of course we rounded a curse on the Snake River Canyon, and
there stood a Mountain billy goat.
He posed as if to show us his superb winter coat. It must be
the rut season as his neck appeared to be swollen and his body taunt and
muscular! He took a few steps behind a bush before reappearing on the other
side, again posing for more pictures!
It had been a great sixty fifth birthday! Moose, elk, and
mountain goat all combined to make it a birthday worth remembering. Best of
all, I have been so blessed with having such a wonderful and amazing family and
friends! Clear skies.
Great wildlife pics. Happy B-Day!!!!
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