Poppi meets Caleb
Carlee walked to the front door on Tuesday to answer the doorbell as Nathan, Mom and I followed her, trying not to look obvious. :) When she opened it, a man stood with his back to her. "Helloo...?" She began, and then Dad turned around. Her response left us all with wet eyes. He's here for 10 days, and it's so good to have him. He taught the kids how to play baseball today. Went fairly well, other than Wes sitting and sucking his thumb on the bases. :)
Exploring the woods and river near the house with Poppi
Franklyn (above) is an adolescent moose. He lives somewhere in the woods near Rocky Road in Anchorage, and yesterday he decided to hang out around our property. (Maybe he took pity on the forlorn Ohio girl who is constantly scoping the forest for any sign of Alaskan wildlife.) He came into the back yard several times, enjoying the tall green grass on the fringe of the lawn. In the evening he came back. Nathan grabbed his camera and ran around the back of the yard, sneaking up behind the moose and hoping to get some good pictures. Really, it was an insane and very unsafe thing to do. ...But then again I've always really admired people who do insane things with wildlife so I'm proud of my brother. :) We (meaning the adults of the house) sat quietly on the back porch observing while the moose began to grow increasingly aware of Nate's presence. Nate crept closer and closer, safely near the chain link fence of an old horse corral. Finally Franklyn had had enough, and decided to show Nate who was boss. Nate jumped on top and then retreated over the fence while the moose bluffed a charge again and again. He pranced around and bristled defiantly, but never ran away. In fact, after each charge he got closer and closer; almost as if an unseen rope was corralling him nearer to Nathan against his will. Eventually he got within inches of Nate's hand. I guess he's just young enough to be curious and a little foolish, so his curiosity overcame his fear of Nate. Nathan was able to get some incredible footage and we were breathless as we watched from the porch. When he grew tired of posturing, he trotted through the yard, pausing in front of the porch to give us a bit of a "who you lookin' at?" look, then rounded the corner of the house and disappeared. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience; one we'll never forget.
Nate took some videos but I can't get them to upload. Maybe later.
Our moosely friend
dani hi to all of you. want to let u know that I have taken carlee to heart, I'm praying for her everyday, my heart is very heavy!!! I wish I could take her place. please let her know that we as A family is keeping your family in pray. I love all of u love your big bro. timothy. bye
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible moose experience! That second photo really puts this animal's size into prospective. Yikes! He will be quite majestic once he grows into those long legs. Our God is so good to bring you these awe-inspiring moments, and give you the opportunity to laugh and to marvel at His creation. Diana PS: I once crept within a few feet of a buffalo in Yellowstone National Park, but Keith still doesn't think that was very wise.
ReplyDeleteWell Dani, we never did get to see an Adirondack moose so I'm glad you got to see one there. :) How incredible! Leave it to brave Nate to follow Franklyn around for a good pic.:)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your dad is with you!!
Love you! ~ Jules
Oh wow!!! Kind of like Crocodile Hunter, only of the Alaskan type! :) I too admire the bravery! thanks for the pics... would love to see the videos too!!! Think of you guys all the time and pray often!
ReplyDeleteWow that's cool wild life girl! That would be weird having a moose who was so tame. Whatever you do don't give him muffin! I've heard what happens if you give a moose a muffin and let me tell you it's not pretty!!! It's kind of like giving a mouse a cookie LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that your dad is there for awhile and you can all be a family! I'm sure Carlee wasn't the only one who was really glad to see him :)