Being Alone With The Moose Was A Happy Surprise

Being alone with the moose was a happy surprise.

 

We came across one of the best road trip experiences that we’ll never forget. One Spring we were going through New England and Eastern Canada. Mostly backroads, since that’s how we like to travel. Usually, we don’t have a plan or schedule, except for a few places we have highlighted. Because of this, We had a once in a lifetime experience at Baxter State Park in Maine.

 

Read about another unique experience here.

 

Millinocket was where we decided to stay. Later that afternoon, we arrived in town and quickly found out choices were slim. However, we came across Katahdin Cabins. These were small cabins that reminded us of what traveling in the 1940’s might have been like. They were cozy and included some nice home baked muffins from the owners.

 

Without delay, the next morning we packed up and left before sunrise. We strongly suggest leaving before the sun comes up if you want to see wildlife. The cabins were 17 miles away from the South entrance of Baxter State Park, so we had a good chance to see some kind of animal.

 

Even though we didn’t see any wildlife, it was a beautiful drive to the state park anyway.

 

We decided to try the area around the Roaring Brook Campground. Although this was a random choice, it was a great one!

 

Roaring Brook Campground Was A Great Choice

It seemed like the drive up Roaring Fork Road took forever. Finally, we made it to the end of the road at the campground. But, what we saw made us anxious. Since our car was the only one in the parking area, we were doubtful it was open.

 

Even though it was completely empty, we found out later this is the busiest campground in the park.

 

We decided to walk around and at least check things out. Here, we found a small log ranger cabin with a long front porch. We saw a lot of maps and sheets of information attached to the outside wall by the front door. Also, a sign that told all hikers to sign in and out was nailed to a tree. The arrow pointed to the front porch. It certainly looked like we chose a good spot to explore.

 

Walking up the wood steps, we were astonished when we noticed the open door. The spring of the screen door creaked as we opened it. Inside, a smiling ranger welcomed us. Unsure of his answer, we asked with hesitation if the park was open. He proudly answered yes. Then he welcomed us as the first people here on the very first day of the season.

 

He gave us some information about the trails, but suggested the South Turner Mountain Trail first. Here, the trail follows along Sandy Stream Pond. By the way, in Maine, small lakes are called ponds. From the trail, you can see Mt Katahdin. And, if you’re lucky, some moose.

 

In front of the ranger’s cabin was the start of a wide trail. He pointed to it and told us where to turn off. So, off we go!

 

 

This Is An Excellent Trail

 

At .4 miles we turned onto the South Turner Mountain Trail. We were now alone in the forest and enjoying it. The calm in the early morning is what we like.

 

Often, sections of the trail had two log planks to walk on. One of these had a large pile of snow over it, but overall, this was an easy trail.

 

 

In the meantime, we walked along the shoreline through the trees. It was calm and lined with large rocks. At the end of the lake we found a really large boulder. Luckily, it was smooth enough to walk to the edge and sit on it by the water. We quietly sat here all by ourselves for a long time. Maybe, more than an hour.

 

Being Alone With The Moose Was A Happy Surprise

 

This was the start of a memory that would last forever. As we sat here alone, the only sound was the wind. Simply, these are the times when stress melts away.

 

Slowly, a moose came to the edge of the lake for a drink. Then another. One by one, they came out of the woods to the lake. Some went into the lake, others stayed on the edge. All in all, there were eight at the same time. We could have stayed here all day.

 

When was the last time you had a moment like this all by yourself? A time where stress melted away and everything seemed ok in the world. A time where you felt your inner strength was restored.

 

For us, we needed this time. Life was busy and we needed a break. After all, we all need a mental break to refresh our views. These are the moments when life changing decisions are made. Some big, some small.

 

We peacefully decided it was time to go back. Satisfied, we left from our time alone in nature with the moose. Then, quietly we climbed down the large rock and started walking back. There was very little talking as we walked back. After all, being alone with the moose so close was a neat experience.

 

This Moose Startled Us

 

With these memories fresh in our thoughts, we walked back through the forest and along the edge of the lake. On the way up, we passed a short boardwalk over a muddy spot that led to the lake. So, we decided to check it out this time

 

Since we had already walked this way once, we thought our adventure was done. We were wrong!

 

As we turned the curve, the boardwalk had a moose standing right beside it. Only about twenty feet in front of us. Startled, we looked at it, and of course, it looked at us. We didn’t know what to do and we found ourselves in the middle of a stare down.

 

Since we didn’t know if it would become aggressive, we slowly started to back up. At the same time, talking calmly to it. Then, we noticed it wasn’t too concerned with us since he just stood there chewing on grass at the edge of the lake.

 

Likewise, we continued to stare at each other. Overall, it was peaceful so we just watched for a few minutes. Until.

 

Voices Interrupted Our Silence

 

We knew our time alone with the moose was over. Voices of a family on the trail were coming closer. In a moment, we heard an adult tell the children to be silent and look ahead. Soon after, they made their way beside us on the boardwalk. Funny, the moose kept staring at all of us while chewing the whole time.

 

Soon after, we left to go back.

 

We had the time of our life alone in Baxter State Park and, we were happy another family was able to have one too.

 

We didn’t know how fortunate we were to have this park to ourselves. For this, we are grateful. Because of this, being alone with the moose was a happy surprise.

 

Here is another favorite wilderness place of ours.

 

As always, thanks for reading. We hope you will follow us on social media for even more!

Tom and Kristi