sharon.elizabeth: Photoblog? Why not...

Presque Isle Moose

Since my camera seems to always be by my side again these days, I decided it might be kind of fun to try this. I mean, why not combine a love of photography with a love for writing...right?

Where better to start than with one of the most exciting things that has happened recently. Moose siting :)

I have lived here for almost 8 years, implanted from the other side of the Mason Dixon line, and have wanted nothing more than to experience a moose siting. I'd intently search the sides of the highway on travels through areas I "heard" had frequent sitings... but, to no avail.

This past week, my husband came home from work and said to me "Oh, I forgot to tell you that a co-worker of mine saw a Moose on Presque Isle". WHAT?? Seriously babe, how could you forget to tell me this? For those of you non-Yoops, Presque Isle is in Marquette, frequented by walkers, bike riders, lovers of beautiful views, and an absurd amount of deer who truly don't mind being gawked at by people.

In lieu of this new and exciting information, I asked around and received confirmation that there was, indeed, a young bull moose wandering around the island and being spotted frequently. Within five minutes I was in my car, my camera bag faithfully riding shotgun, headed on a moose hunt. Three "loops" around the Island with no luck on Saturday. One "loop" on Sunday just for fun...no luck.

Monday, my mom called to remind me it was her "one year anniversary" of (like daughter like mother) becoming a Yooper. In honor of this, I picked her up and we headed to the Island to see if we could spot the Moose. We arrived just as they were gating off the portion of the Island you can drive around. Defeated. Bummed, but still hopeful, we drove to the parking area where deer are typically found grazing. I jumped out to photograph a young fawn with its mother...excited to still be getting to photograph something you just don't see everyday.

When we were getting ready to leave the island, I noticed a woman standing and staring down the hill...I then noticed a few people at the bottom of the hill pointing. "THERE HE IS!" I shouted, and pulled to a stop immediately. I jumped out of the car, speed-walked (everything in me wanted to run but 1. let's maintain some composure here, and 2. I'd really rather not startle a bull moose) down to the small crowd of people.

He (the moose) began to wander off as I got closer. My heart began to sink a little as I thought I wouldn't get to see him. Luckily, he stopped again to nibble at the trees. I was quickly "that girl" needing to get a little bit closer than all the others. Probably too close (my husband wasn't there to "ground me" and tell me "TOO CLOSE"), but very aware at the same time.

Adrenaline. So much of it. So excited while photographing this masterpiece of nature. I had to remind myself to put the camera down a few times just to watch him and take it in. Amazing. Though, he seemed thin...and I later came to find out biologists are worried he is not healthy. But, SO amazing none the less. To be so close to one our country's largest wild animals was something I'll always remember, and happy my mom will too (although she was content watching him from afar) :)