A "Thanks You, Karla" Moose
I Want to See a Moose
My wife’s best friend, Karla, was coming to visit us in Estes Park. So important to our family, she had given amazing support to Carolyn when Carolyn’s first husband died of ALS. For years, Karla had been Carolyn’s personal support and professional mentor whenever needed.
So I asked Karla, “What do you want to see while you’re here?” Without hesitation, she answered as many do, “I want to go on a
RMNPhotographer Tour
and see a moose.”
So that next morning, we set off on a
RMNPhotographer Tour. It was a crisp, July morning as we left at sunrise. Searching for moose in Horseshoe Park, Sheep Lakes, and Endo Valley, we were disappointed but determined. Continuing on, I drove us up Old Fall River Road.
Karla is a city girl who has not spent much time in the backcountry. To her, Old Fall River Road was a daring experience into the wilderness. Imagine your total unfamiliarity with such an environment. Not knowing where you’re going, in the first few hundred yards you experience a narrow, one lane dirt trail with over hanging rock formations and dropoffs looming on the other side. It can be gut churning excitement for someone who's never experienced such an adventure. That was Karla, gripping the door handle, her eyes wide with excitement.
She was enthralled and enthusiastic as I explained the history of the road. Mesmerized by the view, she’d point across the canyon at rock formations, spots of Aspen, and small waterfalls. We stopped at Chasm Falls, the beauty and solitude surrounding us. She breathed the air deeply.
Three miles up, the switchback showed an incredible view to the east. I pointed, saying, “That’s where we came from. Those lakes are Sheep Lakes in Horseshoe Park.” Karla’s hand went to her chest, overwhelmed by the beauty.
As we passed the remaining snowfields and trickling waterfalls, I explained we were coming toward an open area of meadows where elk and moose might be seen. Karla’s eyes became alert. We watched, searched, but still no moose.
Reaching Willow Park, we walked back toward the cabin. The early morning sun brightened the wildflowers as Karla followed me closely, quietly. Slowly, my hand came up as I guided her into the opening before the cabin.
Moose Experience of a Lifetime
There I pointed to the meadow beyond. Feeding on the greens along the trickle of Fall River were a cow moose and her two month old calf. Over the past weeks, I had watched them several times, seeing them up and down the meadows in this area.
This morning, they had rewarded me by being in an open spot where I could give my wife’s friend what she’d hoped for. Seeing her first moose, Karla was taken back by the calm of the mother and innocence of the calf. The calf looked up watching us, and I smiled knowing the emotions rushing through Karla.
As we watched, I explained the history of moose in RMNP. I told her of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s effort to introduce them near Walden beginning in 1978. I shared their history and migration into the park and their strong, active presence throughout Colorado’s rocky mountains.
Karla stood in awe watching the mother feed, the baby moving about, sometimes running from spot to spot like a playful child. As she watched from a safe distance, I moved through the meadow along Fall River searching. I knew there might be more wildlife, and I wanted Karla to experience all she could.
That is when I saw him. Down in the gully along the river was a massive bull moose feeding on the grass. The sun had crested the hillside to cover him in light. Still in velvet, he was calm yet intimidating, and I did not want to disturb him.
Stepping back out of sight, I waved for Karla to come my way. As she did, I stepped back to view the impressive bull lifting my camera to capture his beauty. As Karla moved up beside me, I heard her gasp.
For forty-five minutes, Karla and I stood side-by-side in awe of the massive moose. Impressed by the bull’s size and magnificence, we watched quietly. At times, he would raise his head, looking about but never bothered, then return to his grazing. It was a beautiful experience of privately sharing time in the wild with a moose more impressive than Karla could have imagined.
And I was pleased that I could give this to her, a small present of thanks for all she had given to Carolyn during her most significant time of need. With this wonderful moose experience, I was able to offer a small thank you to Karla.
And for Karla, she’d had a moose experience of a lifetime.
