Close Encounter of the Moose Kind (15 images)

Went on a hike with my sister and brother-in-law on a chilly but gorgeous day. We were treated to watching a cow and calf feeding in a lake for about an hour. Eventually, the cow came out of the water and began slowly walking toward us, watching us. So we retreated into the trees and she and the calf also disappeared into the trees in another direction. 

By itself, that would have made for a great day. 

But an hour or two later, and from a trail, we spotted a big buck emerge from the brush and walk into a lake and begin grazing. Then closer to us, still in the water and about 100 feet away. 

And that would have been enough.

But then the massive, majestic animal with his big rack walked out of the water, scattering a few hikers, and up onto the trail we were using. Striding right toward us! At about twenty feet away, we broke our mesmerized state and beat a hasty retreat to the brush by the side of the trail. He passed by about five or ten feet away, now trotting. It turned out he just wanted the trail right-of-way. We gladly gave it to him and everything turned out fine. 

Now THAT was a great adrenaline-pumping day!