Another never shared shot from my mama moose adventure of June 8th, 2015. The story is a repeat that was shared back in 2017 with another photo of her. I’m just far too lazy to type it all out again!
Happy Easter to all!
John
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“What is my exit” quickly became the question!
For the second time in my life, I found myself within the “stupid range” of a large wild animal. The first was this past October when my friend Kent Lanum and I were fishing in Florida. While cruising along from Lake George into the Little Jupiter River we were both surprised to see a 17–18-foot gator laying on the bank, staring right at us. As my camera clicked away, Kent asked if I wanted to get a little closer. I immediately responded no…proving that I have some level of common sense, but choose not to let it rule my life.
On this day, I had arrived at the gate to the Grand Teton National Park prior to the vast numbers that were sure to invade. For a while, I felt as if I had it all to myself. Osprey, moose, mule deer and several species of songbirds seemed receptive to play right into my photographic plan; it was going to be a great day!
Later that morning as the hordes of visitors started arriving, speeding through the park like folks at Walmart at the start of a sale, my desire to be there quickly diminished. Besides, it was already after nine and I was sure that my bride was ready to grab some coffee and breakfast. As I rounded a bend heading for the hotel, I noticed a dozen or so cars all parked at crazy angles, a sure sign that a photo worthy critter was present! Having been there a few hours earlier and knowing there was a lake over the hill, it could be anything.
Grabbing my camera, I approached a young lady who was set up for the shot. Personal note: I choose her to talk to not based on her sex, youth or looks, but because she was shooting with a Canon 600mm lens that I just wanted to get close to! Anyway…she informed me that there was a female moose at water’s edge, just behind a large clump of trees and just below us.
Having been there a few hours earlier almost proved to be my demise as I knew there was a trail that led to the other side of the lake, if I could get there quickly, I could shoot down the water’s edge, improve the lighting/shadow situation and more importantly, get to breakfast.
As I exited the herd of photographers, I’m sure I left many to wonder what I was up to, what did I know? Moving fast (for me) I’m now some 50 yards from the crowd when I heard a branch snap down the hill, just a couple of dozen or so feet away. Then suddenly…Booyah…there was the moose! She had expertly snuck away from the horde of tourists in a manner that would have impressed David Copperfield; unfortunately, she was now standing just off of my left-hand side, and she was huge!
Standing tall and well within my focal length, taking a photo at this point wasn’t an option. Exiting the situation was all that I was thinking of…well, that and breakfast. I started walking backwards, maintaining constant eye contact as she just stood there like a statue in a man vs. moose high school stare-down! Once I had established a little distance between us, I noticed a large boulder to my right. Standing on the boulder gave me a couple of advantages…one; I was set up perfectly now for a photo and two…well I guess there was only one. Should she charge, my only option was to leap from the boulder and roll down the hill, surely making myself the subject in countless photo albums on several different continents by the folks who can’t spot a moose on the move, but with my luck and their lenses, would capture every angle of my degrading fat Italian guy roll to freedom!
As my camera clicked away, she continued along her way slowly as to ensure I got her good side. Moments later I could hear the hoard heading my way fast. As I stood there taking head shots of her as she ate, a true appreciation for her size and grace fell over me, how blessed am I by God and by her…I decided to leave her alone.
As I exited through the hoard, which was now rattling off dozens and dozens of photos of her backside, she headed into the deep woods. As they complained of their angle, I simply smiled and wanted to lift my arms in the air as Tim Robbins did as he exited Shawshank prison…I had the shot, I had the experience and I was heading to breakfast with my baby!
Adventure before dementia!
