Category Archives: National Parks

Michigan, National Parks, Troy's Blog

The Last Shot

During Spring Break this year, the family ventured out to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. One of our stops was Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on a beautiful April day. While there we stopped at the popular Dune climb to take our chance at the steep, sandy climb to the top. While at the top I began experiencing problems with my camera. An error message would pop onto a black screen no longer able to take pictures. Messing around with it – removing the lens and reconnecting it, turning the camera on and off, and removing the battery – I eventually got it to work again. This turned out to be temporary though. A short time later the error message again popped up. This time I wouldn’t be able to get it back working.

Later that day I researched possible problems and came up with the likely issue being the shutter. The cost to fix it would be at least a third of the cost of a new camera. There had been some other problems starting to plague the camera such as a sticky shutter button causing the camera to be unresponsive as the button would keep the autofocus locked on preventing further use until the button became unstuck and released the focus. This was fairly intermittent so I dealt with it as much as possible. With at least 100,000 photos being taken with the camera and the shutter issues, I decided it is probably time to replace it. Besides, there are activities and adventures planned this year that I want to have a reliable camera available to avoid missing some pictures that will only be possible once.

With that decision, my camera had taken its last photo. Looking through them on the computer, this was the last one taken. It’s of my daughter and I running down the dune as the approaching rain continued to move towards us. If there has to be a last picture, I like this one to mark that event!

Monopoly Traveler Reflections, Rocky Moutain National Park, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections–Falling in Love With Marmots

It was the first full day at Rocky Mountain National Park for my family including myself, wife, two daughters, and my dad in early July. Fireworks exploded high overhead the night before celebrating Independence Day, but this day was about exploring this vast, mountainous park. We had all day to wander through the mountains in search of picturesque landscapes, wildlife, and waterfalls. Since we had the full day, we decided to work our way up the mountain to reach the Alpine Visitor Center high atop these Rocky Mountains. On the way there are numerous overlooks each begging you to pull over and view the scenic landscape. Many of these succeeded in getting us to stop, rewarding with spectacular views of this wilderness. Eventually we began resisting the desire to stop at every opportunity, otherwise getting to the top may never happen on this day. Nearing the top we pulled into an alpine overlook. This was my first time seeing an alpine climate and was stunned at all of the beautiful plants in full bloom. What a remarkable environment! As we would soon discover, the miniature plants blooming in brilliant colors would not be the highlight of this overlook.

Overlook in Rocky Mountain National Park

While at the end of a short trail, created to view the mountains stretching on eternally, we began to hear an unusual sound. This sound was coming from somewhere close. What could be that close to all of these people meandering around this area? Finally we began to follow the noise and looked on the other side of a rock wall which had been built as a path for people enjoy this overlook. There was a creature running along side the wall darting in and out of rocks still laying near the wall. Finally capturing a good look at this rodent, it looked familiar to one of the signs we’d read earlier about some of the wildlife. It seemed to be a marmot. Watching it for awhile confirmed it to be a Yellow-Bellied Marmot. We had never imagined this would be a spot to come across such a thing. Wildlife typically is found away from a lot of activity. Not marmots apparently.

First sighting of a marmot

This little creature seemed to be going after minerals in the rocks, or possibly the concrete used to bind these rocks together forming a wall. We watched this critter for quite some time scurrying around the overlook, stopping occasionally in its quest for a meal. It became a major highlight of our adventure in the mountains. Now, whenever we’re in an alpine setting this becomes one of the animals we seek out to confirm we’re high up in a mountain. Since that first sighting we’ve returned to Rocky Mountain National Park to hike to some of the mountain tops enjoying the Marmots along the way. Only now we’ve discovered one of their companions in the alpine environment –  Pikas.  A smaller and friendly mammal of these rocky summits. Still, the marmot holds a special place in our memories and will continue to be a creature reminding us of the harsh environment we’ve entered.

Crawling around and through a rock scramble

Adventures, Michigan, National Parks, Troy's Blog

Hitting the Beach for Spring Break

During Spring Break we (myself, youngest daughter, and wife) hit the beaches. But not like most people imagine. Our adventure took us to Michigan where a plethora of beautiful beaches exist. The first day brought us to Sleep Bear Dunes National Lakeshore where the main attraction is climbing these large hills of sand. Once we accomplished this feat we set out to explore other areas on the National Park on this beautiful April day. The temperature had reached the 70’s a little earlier but a cold front was now moving through bringing the threat of rain and definitely cooler temperatures. Along the shore of Lake Michigan are some beautiful freshwater beaches providing a shark free location to sink your feet into the sand or take a dip in the water. At this time of year the water is a bit too chilly to do more than stick in a toe or two but as summer arrives the water warms for a refreshing dip. Rain began to fall and it was time to head back to the car ending our first day at the beach.

On the beach at Sleeping Bear Dunes

The next day brought more rain keeping us indoors for much of it. Eventually the rain let up and we decided to take advantage with a trip to the nearby sand in Frankfurt Michigan. Only a few minutes walk and we were once again walking on the soft sand along the shore of this Great Lake. Since it was early in the year this beach was still recovering from winter as preparations were just beginning to move the sand from city streets and parking lots back onto the beach where it belongs. Winter winds blow strong shifting sand from the waters edge further inland. As the snow disappears and the landscape comes back to life, these winds calm allowing the beaches to keep their sandy shoreline bringing crowds to enjoy them all summer long. With another day on the beach, even if for a short time, we returned to the comfort of shelter for the remainder of the day.

A sandy place of respite in Frankfurt, MI

On our final day, while beginning the drive home, we stopped at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along the way allowing us to see three of the Great Lakes in one day, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron while going across the Mackinaw Bridge with Lake Superior a short drive away. One of the first stops in Pictured Rocks was the sandy beach along this largest freshwater body of water. Again the sand was beautiful and soft for the third and final day of beaches during Spring Break. The landscape is amazingly beautiful to take in while strolling through the sand as it cushions each step. Another part of this park that was fun is the North Country National Scenic Trail runs along the lake. A trail I’ve read about and looked into portions of interest to hike. I could imagine spending a couple days hiking through this picturesque landscape enjoying waterfalls, beaches, and natural rock formations.

A sandy shoreline on Lake Superior

Having spent several hours exploring this area, it was time to continue on our journey home. One last stop at another beach before we go though. While taking one final walk on the sandy shore, fog began to roll off the lake and flow into the trees creating a different view of the landscape. This time of year, fog is common near Lake Superior as the water remains cold throughout the year so when temperatures begin to warm up and there’s a lot of moisture around, fog is quickly produced. It creates a more dramatic landscape for our final memory of Picture Rocks on this adventure. It was now time to re-enter the car to complete our Spring Break road trip.

Fog rolling in at Pictured Rocks

Monopoly Traveler Reflections, Rocky Moutain National Park, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections–Playing in the Snow, But It’s July!

On our first Monopoly Traveling adventure, Rocky Mountain National Park was one of one of six National Parks we visited during a 10 day road trip. While there we were surrounded by beautiful landscapes everywhere we went including snow capped mountains. During one of our days in this large park with seemingly endless horizons, we drove up to the Alpine Visitor’s Center on the Old Fall River Road which is a narrow, winding gravel road that can only be driven up the mountain as it’s a one way road. While at the visitor center exploring, we walked near some large snow banks still melting in early July. We’re used to snow filled winters but rarely is there a snow bank to be found by Independence Day.  I grabbed one of the kids and threatened to throw her into the snow bank head first on this mid summer afternoon.

snowball fight

With her nervous laughter, I set her down but quickly grabbed a handful of snow and formed a snowball. Having a snowball fight with my kids at this time of year never, ever crossed my mind which is why it was something we had to do. Soon after I released the first one, my girls armed themselves with snowballs and returned fire. We continued this until our hands were cold from handling the melting snow without gloves. It was summer after all, why would we need gloves? Each of us having been pelted with snow, brushed ourselves off before continuing to explore the mountain tops nearby with smiles etched on our faces. It’s these moments that create memories making a trip like this even more special.

Returning fire

Monopoly Traveler Reflections, Rocky Moutain National Park, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections–Finding my Profile Picture

Rocky Mountain National Park was part of our first Monopoly Traveler adventure and the park I was most anticipating. I really couldn’t imagine such a vast landscape and all of the wildlife it contained. We had arrived on the Fourth of July and enjoyed fireworks from our hotel in Estes Park waiting until the next day to venture in to this beautiful place. Obtaining a park map along with a newspaper listing activities taking place we studied both of these to make a game plan for our few days here. At some point during the day my goal was to drive to the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest point that can be driven to in the park.

Looking out at the grand landscape of the Rocky Mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park

Meandering through the east side of RMNP, enjoying the magnificent views and wildlife, for much of the morning it was time to make our way up the mountains. There are numerous stopping points along the way with grand vistas to enjoy however it would take nearly all day it seemed to do so. We would stop every now and again when there was a new view we hadn’t seen before to get out of the car and breath in the glorious mountain air. Eventually we made our way higher and higher and decided on one more stop before going to the visitor center for lunch. There were many other people also enjoying the overlook and even a bus had stopped. The first thing we noticed was the chill in the air along with a cool summer breeze up in the mountains. Slipping on our jackets made for a more comfortable visit as we made our way over the path leading to the beautiful man made lookout. Just the simple motion of walking we could feel a slight shortness of breath. Lower oxygen levels where letting us know we were at a higher altitude and not accustom to such air.

More majestic landscapes from Rocky Mountain National Park

As I looked out from the end of the trail, the view almost seemed unreal. How could we be standing in this place seeing what almost seemed like a movie set? The miles and miles of mountain scenery was difficult to comprehend. It appeared just a short distance away but the lengthy roads and trails said otherwise. There were Elk off in the distance. Some were grazing while others laying in the warm summer sun. I decided to climb some of the rocks nearby. Standing there by myself I felt as though I was becoming a part of this incredible landscape. It still didn’t seem real to me but was more breathtaking than I could have imagined. Not wanting to leave this spot, I decided to descend back towards the trail so others may take my place and enjoy their own experience. Re-joining my family I realized I didn’t have the camera. My wife was carrying it and had captured a few pictures while I was up on the rocks.

Returning home I looked over our photos from the trip and saw a few of me. There aren’t a lot of pictures including me as I’m usually the one with the camera. Setting up a website and social media I needed a profile photo. It wasn’t difficult to choose one as the photos of me looking out over the Rocky Mountains quickly came to mind and chose the picture at the top of this article because I like the background and have such incredible memories attached with it. Every time I see my profile I smile making it extremely difficult to want to change it even after a decade. We’ve returned to Rocky Mountain National Park since this trip and it always holds a special place in my mind as being a favorite of mine.

The mountainous terrain just keeps going and going

Backpacking, Isle Royale National Park, Troy's Blog

Isle Royale–The Last Day

After getting settled into our shelter from the mornings hike from Island Mine, the first thing to do was head for the bathrooms with running water and wash up a little. The clean, cool water felt great! Returning to the shelter it was then time to grab something to eat while enjoying the beautiful, quiet camp. With some rest I wanted to wander around Windigo a little and take photos of the trail, flowers, and wildlife while reflecting on our time since last in Windigo 5 days ago. Something was different this time. On the last adventure to Isle Royale in 2012, I couldn’t wait for the boat to pick us up and return to civilization. This time I was dreading the return to the ferry. Why was this time so different? What changed?

Pink Ladyslippers

The sun began to drift lower in the sky bringing a warmer light to the trail. A perfect time to spend with the camera now capturing this beautiful place. Finding all of the orchids we passed at the beginning of this journey so I could photograph them was my goal. I just couldn’t stop taking pictures of the trail and the plants along side it. Every corner provided a different, but beautiful scene. With the day moving closer to the end, it was time to head back to camp and cook one of our last meals before light disappeared. Once this was complete, more time enjoying the view and reflecting on this amazing experience was in order. Eventually the stars began to shine, although many were covered with clouds. I decided to take this last opportunity to do a little night photography. Unfortunately the moon was full with its brightness drowning out many of the twinkling lights in the sky. I snapped some photos trying different shots. After an hour or so of this it was back to the shelter and off to bed.

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I could see some light entering the sky and decided to get up and watch this last sunrise on Isle Royale. There were some beautiful colors in the sky which I wanted to capture with the camera. Leaving the shelter I noticed a runny nose. Just a quick couple of pictures and I would take care of that. That’s when a drop hit the ground which I noticed was red. Dang it! I returned to the shelter for toilet paper to stop my bloody nose and then continued towards the shoreline with the camera. As soon as I turned it on the battery died. Another trip into the shelter to grab a new battery and then back to the camera again. By this time the colors of the morning rising sun had faded. Missed them! Frustrated with the mornings events so far I heard splashing. A moose had come to say good morning which was soon chased away by two more entering the water. This sight never grew tiresome.

Hiking trail

The morning grew older. Camp was all packed up for the last time as departure came closer and closer. I was struggling to force myself to leave. There was such a strong connection to this place now. It felt like the island accepted us as part if its inhabitants, revealing so much of its wilderness many others are not able to see as they keep to their boats or step foot here for only a couple of hours. Even so I kept through the motions of waiting for our ferry and eventually climbing on board. The Voyageur II departed the dock bringing a sadness to me. It kind of felt as though I was being taken against my wishes to the mainland. It’s very difficult to describe. I didn’t want to leave and at the same time I really didn’t want to stay. There’s so much more yet to experience in this place. Was this feeling because I will never be back even though my intentions are to return? I continue to miss Isle Royale and its been over a year since that trip. The solitude. The plant life. The wildlife. The rocks this place is built on. The history of mining and fishing. One piece I don’t miss is the mosquitoes. That constant buzz is still in my ears on a quiet evening.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to experience this place and to have done so with my daughter and cousin. Hopefully some day again I will step foot in this incredible wilderness.

Leaving the island

Backpacking, Isle Royale National Park, Troy's Blog

Isle Royale–The Last Hike

In 2019 I spent six days on Isle Royale National Park with my youngest daughter and one of my cousins hiking the Feldtmann Loop. We had spent the night in Island Mine campground enjoying the only official campground completely in the woods in this National Park. All of the others are near water. Fortunately mosquitoes weren’t as fierce as we originally feared they would be making for a more enjoyable night by our campfire. As daylight crept into the tent and began to light up the forest we began to move around preparing for our final day on the trails. There was excitement about getting to Windigo where there is running water and also hesitation to begin this hike knowing our adventure was nearing a close. All of our gear was now packed up. The last thing we needed to do was cover ourselves in bug spray hoping to reduce the amount of blood stolen from us during the next seven miles to complete our journey.

Packing up camp and getting ready to hike

Doused in repellent, we hoisted our packs, grabbed the trekking poles and began our walk. Today’s path begins by a steep decline immediately followed by a steep incline to reach the next trail intersection leading to Windigo. Beginning the day with this type of terrain is a little difficult and demoralizing as you break out in a sweat right away with tiring legs quickly. As soon as we got to the intersection we dropped the packs and grabbed a snack along with water to recoup for a few minutes. This gave me time to set up the camera for trail pics to mark the beginning of our day surrounded by the beautiful forest. Regaining our legs and energy it was back on the trail knowing that it’s mostly downhill from here. Fortunately this is a relatively high point on Isle Royale.

Hitting the trail

We were moving at a fairly good clip by now after almost 30 miles of backpacking. Our bodies were adjusting to carrying all this weight allowing us to move faster and for longer stretches without a break. There were times we hiked at over 5 miles per hour which was a very good pace for us on this journey. And that was near the end of the hike. Not while we were fresh starting out. I enjoy hiking but not as much as exploring the areas we hike to. That’s the part I like most about backpacking – relaxing and wandering around in an area taking my time to notice the pieces that make up that place. Unique insects, wildlife, plants, and rocks. It seems most hikers are always in a hurry to get on the trail with the goal of putting in as much mileage as they can each day. I do like seeing the places I go through but I miss so many of the details while on the trail. The hike from Island Mine to Windigo seemed too quiet with very little wildlife moving about.

On the trail

As we got closer to the end of the trail we encountered a group of hikers heading in the opposite direction. They said we were about a mile away as far as they could figure which was a great sound to our ears – almost there. Just another 20 minutes or so. Soon after they passed I looked at my phone, which was recording the hike, and saw we had closer to 2 miles left if my mileage was accurate. I didn’t really mind that they were off. I kind of knew we likely had more trail left than they indicated based on how long we’d been hiking. My expectation was to hike at 1.5 – 2.0 miles per hour (mph) including breaks which would take us 3 – 4 hours. In what seemed like no time at all we reached another trail intersection marking near the end of our journey. From here, we had hiked the trail on our last journey to Isle Royale National Park so it all should seem somewhat familiar. I was surprised to see we were moving at a pace of 2.6 mph with a top speed of over 5 mph which was close to the end of our hike. We arrived at the Washington Creek campground and immediately headed for the shelter we stayed at the last time we were here in 2012. Fortunately it was open and we quickly set up camp for the last time. Just then a loud splashing was coming from the water right in front of us. A moose had come to welcome us to Windigo (top photo)!

At the shelter in Windigo

Backpacking, Isle Royale National Park, Troy's Blog

Isle Royale–Headed to Island Mine

Last summer my daughter Kris, cousin Chad, and I went to Isle Royale on a backpacking adventure. I’ve written posts on the first part of that trip from Windigo to Feldtmann Lake and onto Siskiwit Bay previously. This is a continuation of our experience on the island.

After a full day of resting and enjoying the area around Siskiwit Bay it was once again time to pull on our packs and head out. The destination was Island Mine Campground which was only 4 1/2 miles away but we decided to get an early start to the day. Mosquitoes could be bad there and if that’s the case we wanted enough time to continue hiking on towards Windigo. Camping in a mosquito infested area is not that fun as the safest place is inside a tent after killing whatever insect followed inside. Spending an afternoon swatting these pests was not our idea of fun so we wanted to give ourselves the opportunity to keep going in daylight if necessary. If we hiked at our average pace we should be there in 3 hours, 4 if we really take our time. That would still give us enough time to continue the 6 1/2 miles to Windigo and arrive before dark.

A fresh wolf print in the sand

The first two miles of the hike are along the shore of Siskiwit Bay. Half of those two miles are along the beach. While navigating the beach and trying to stay dry from waves washing up on shore, we came across fresh wolf prints in the sand. This must have been the wolf cry we heard the night before. These were recent because we had walked this same beach the day before and there were no wolf tracks in the sand at that time. By this time we had seen everything but a wolf itself. There was a kill and scat on the way to Siskiwit Bay, a howl in the night, and now the tracks. Seeing an actual wolf would have been amazing but to see all of these signs and hear one was more than I expected so I was quite satisfied just to know they were near.

On the trail towards Island Mine Campground

Making our way around the bay, we came to a place with a sharp left turn. This will be the last view of Lake Superior for the next day as our next campsite will be in the middle of the Island. The trail slowly begins to ascend as we moved inland and the mosquitoes seem all to happy to welcome us back to the woods. Dowsing ourselves in bug spray, these irritating pests added motivation to keep moving with their constant hum as they searched for any little spot without repellant on it to steal blood. After seeing so many moose near the previous camp sites, we were always on the lookout for one that may pose danger on the trail. This can be a challenge because you also have to keep your eyes on the trail lest a rock or root jump up from the ground and trip you. Falling on the trail with all of that extra weight on your back is a good way to get the air knocked out of you or twist your ankle. Not something we wanted to experience during this adventure.

An old mine shaft or storage area

It seemed like a very short time, but we had hiked for a couple of hours when we came upon the abandoned mine this area is labeled after. Large piles of tailings highlight the entrance with few plants covering them even after a century of closing. Walking over these first piles you begin to see equipment left here from a long time ago. In one are there was something built that could have been a mine shaft or storage facility which you can see in the photo above. Many of the pieces have been weathered over the years bringing a further authenticity to this historic site. We spent nearly an hour exploring this old operation imagining how things were done from the placement of the equipment, tailings, and excavation locations. It was fun to be able to take our time looking over this site and imagine the people and how they worked here, even for a short time wondering if this would have been something I would have enjoyed doing back in the day.

Some old equipment abandoned at Island Mine

With a little under a mile to go, we got back on the trail heading towards the campsite a little under a mile away. The remaining hike continued through a mature forest of maples, firs, and aspen up and down hills. What a sight this area must be in the fall as the trees explode in reds, oranges, and yellows preparing for winter. Eventually we came to a creek crossing with a steep hill to climb. The hill would be a bit of a challenge anyway but with all of our extra weight it was even more daunting.  With the aid of small trees to help with the climb we made it to the top and saw the sign laying out the campsites. We’re already here we thought? And at the same time had a sigh of relief to be able to pull the packs off and set up camp. We were the only ones at this campsite, for now. Before getting too much pulled out of our packs we took a little time to feel out the bug situation. How bad were the mosquitoes? Do we continue on to Windigo or are they tolerable enough that we can stay as planned?

Settling in at camp

There really weren’t many mosquitoes in this location and water was available a short distance away so we decided to spend the night in the only campsite on Isle Royale that isn’t near water. And one of the few that allow fires. The tent was excavated from a backpack and quickly set up with sleeping bags and pillows and most of our gear stored for the night. We gathered wood to start a fire and began cooking our main meal of the day. While hiking the meals consist of trail bars, trail mix, and whatever else is in a bag for snacking but when in camp we cook something more substantial to aid in recovering from a strenuous journey on the trail. While eating, the quietness of the woods begins to settle in and you realize you’re alone as no other hikers had come through while we’ve been in camp. We could yell at the top of our lungs and no one would be able to hear us. It was possible the closest people to us were more than 4 miles away. Both comforting and disturbing! Thoughts quickly shifted to our time together in this beautiful place as we have just one more hike to bring this incredible adventure to an end.

Enjoying a rare fire on Isle Royale

Previous posts of this trip:

A Return to Isle Royale

Independence Day on Isle Royale

Isle Royale–From Feldtmann Lake to Siskiwit Bay

Isle Royale–From Feldtmann Lake to Siskiwit Bay part II

Isle Royale–Enjoying a Day at Siskiwit Bay

Isle Royale – A Moose Close Up and Personal

Adventures, Isle Royale National Park, Troy's Blog

Isle Royale – A Moose Close Up and Personal

A day after hiking into Siskiwit Bay I wanted to back track on the trail we came in on the day before. We passed a beautiful meadow in full bloom that I wanted to take a few photos of. On the way I was talking with my cousin, who was also coming with, and noticed something unusual out of the corner of my eye. There was a line of trees to our right. Studying this cluster of trees I saw something move on the other side of them. It turned out to be a bull moose grazing. We stopped to watch it for awhile. A couple of other hikers appeared on the trail at this moment stopping in there tracks wondering what we were looking at. After spotting the moose they watched until it laid down in the trees and then they continued on. We decided to move on also and see if we could locate the moose on our way back.

A meadow full of flowers

Wondering around the meadow, all that was missing was a nice blue sky with a few soft, white clouds passing by. Unfortunately there were more clouds than sun making the meadow less spectacular but still beautiful. We spent about 20 minutes taking pictures and decided to head back towards our shelter. On the way back I headed towards the trees where the moose was earlier in hopes of being able to find it in a more photogenic place. As I was nearing the trees my cousin began to yell in a hushed voice “He’s still there!” I immediately stopped, looked up and spotted him close to where we left him but he was standing now. Watching him again he was just following the tree line away from us while foraging for leaves along the way.

Walking by and something seemed out of place

I decided to quickly walk down the trail trying to get ahead of this moose. There was a clearing in the trees and if he continued to move in the same direction, would give me an opportunity for a nice shot. Successfully moving into position, I crouched down near a clump of trees and got my camera ready. My cousin continued down the trail and found another spot to potentially photograph the moose also. In a matter of minutes the moose was nearing the opening as I was hoping for. I began to shoot away and enjoyed watching as the moose lingered near this opening in the trees. He seemed to be continuing on near the tree line but suddenly stopped. I could see his ears now above his head pointed towards my cousin. I could hear my cousin shifting from time to time and the moose seemed to be able to hear it also.

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Now the moose backed up and looked back and forth through the opening in the trees which began to make me nervous and excited at the same time. It provided a nice opportunity to  get some close up photos of a full sized bull moose but I’m feeling in the way of where the moose may want to go. After glancing my way the moose turned once again towards his original direction bringing a small sigh of relief. I was now ready for the moose to continue on allowing me to exit without a confrontation being quite sure which one of us would win in a direct confrontation. The odds were not in my favor. A few steps towards the trees and the moose stopped again and paused with ears pinned forward.

He stopped and turned my way

Once again the moose retreated a few steps and turn towards me. Only this time he took more steps in my direction causing my heartbeat to pick up. A thrilling and unnerving situation to be in. I continued to take advantage while I could and photograph the moose. My camera was on manual focus in order to minimize the noise as I snapped pictures. This monstrous animal continued to move in my direction heading straight for me. At this point I stopped focusing my lens in order to keep as still as possible hoping the approaching moose wouldn’t notice I was there. As the moose got closer and closer I was trying to figure out my escape plan. What are my chances if I play ring around the trees with this large animal? Just a few lengths away, I snapped one last photo before this adult bull moose turned feet from me and ran around the clump of trees I was crouching behind.

Too close and still moving towards me

Breathing a sigh of relief I realized I had been holding my breath for some time now in an effort to remain still as the moose worked his way towards me. It took me a few seconds to regain enough strength in my legs to stand up and begin to walk towards my cousin. Turning around to look back at where I was and where the moose traveled, I wanted to figure out just how close it was. Fortunately the moose’s footprints were still in the grass allowing me to track exactly where it went. In the picture below, there’s a clump of trees just to the right of the trail with a downed tree in front of it. I was right next to this clump near the trail. The moose came close to the other side of that clump wanting to exit the forest on this side. Stepping off his closest point to me, I measured about 15 feet between me and the moose before it changed direction. WAY TOO CLOSE! Fortunate for me there was no incident. My adrenaline started pumping at this wild experience. Later that day I wondered, “did the moose also sigh relief believing it almost got killed?”

Where I was crouching down photographing from

Exploring, Jeep Badge of Honor, National Parks, Troy's Blog

Photos From the Trail–Top of the World

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I went back into the archives of 2019 for this post. It’s a shot from Top of the World off road trail. This trail ends at a canyon overlook with spectacular views of the Utah landscape. There’s so much to look at in this photo and take in it’s almost overwhelming to me. Especially since you can see for such a long distance from this place. Starting off you have the interesting rock formations in the middle of the picture. Trying to figure out how they came to be and studying their details keeps my attention for awhile. Then taking in the red rock ridges and canyons speckled with plants that continue seemingly forever add so much depth. In contrast to all of this red you have the yellow rock in front of that adding more depth and color contrast with the plants on this rock bringing the greenery together for even more color contrasts. And to have all of this under a beautiful blue sky completes the shot. If it weren’t for all of the other Jeeps climbing into this spot I could have stayed here for a long time enjoying the scene and studying the details further. But others should be able to enjoy it without me being an obstacle for them also.