Going on a Moose Hunt

“Going on a moose hunt… I’m not afraid”

Ok, so I changed the song from Bear Hunt to Moose. And rightly so. It’s that season. They’re out and about. When driving to Watson earlier this week we saw two beautiful, large moose grazing in the field. Unfortunately, it was so rainy and wet that I knew it wouldn’t make a good picture so I never got one.

Then today, while Chase was out filling up our water at the well, he saw one (a young cow) shoulder-deep in the water about 400 yards from where he was crouched down. Apparently she didn’t see him as she began to bound out of the water and play merrily on the shore. She began trotting right toward him (he was sure she saw him) and when he got in the rhino to drive away, the engine spooked her and she ran into the nearby clearing of trees.

When Chase came back to camp all he said was, “Honey, bundle The Boy up,” (it was cold!) “we’re going on a moose hunt!” Though his idea was just to find her again and get a picture, as a non-resident he isn’t able to actually shoot one (something he is so sad about because he had his bow with him and it would’ve been a super clean and easy shot).

We went out to the lake and waited. We turned off the engine, and wadded in the water with our rain boots. Nothing. Walked into a few clearings and waited quietly. Chase entertained the baby while I went in for a closer look.








Sadly, he must have really scared her off because she was nowhere to be seen. I did, however, see two beautiful bald eagles (I’ve seen a few on the way up but never had a good photo opportunity). They were graceful and beautiful. I was glad they allowed me to photograph them for even a moment.

We also drove around the little area of “Laketon” and I got a short history lesson.


Here is what I concluded:
Laketon was originally a pretty booming town during and before the gold rush.
Many homesteads still stand (well sort of) today.


There is also a cemetery. It’s oddly beautiful, set in the trees and its melancholy feel adds to the peacefulness felt here.

Here are a few of my favorite graves and headstones.




There is even one headstone of a more recent date (1904). While trudging through the woods, Chase sat the baby next to the headstone. He kept saying, “Take a picture Mom. Take a picture.” I protested, “But it’s weird Dad. It’s weird!” What resulted was this odd commodity:

Besides the “regular” cemetery, you’ll also find two separate headstones on the pathway. These are said to be murderers and not allowed to be buried with the others. I guess that’s what you get.


As we walked through the woods, it began to grow warmer.


We took advantage of such beautiful weather and walked down by the lake.







It’s a beautiful day and I’m beginning to think I don’t need to see a moose to make it a great one.

Love, Going on a Moose Hunt