Waking up to a moose

Today Ally, Linda and I had planned on hiking to Phelps Lake.  We were leaving at 8:00am to avoid the rush and get an early start before it gets too hot.

I set my alarm for 6:00am (YUK!) as I wanted to eat a good breakfast.  A car caught my attention that was stopped directly in front of my campsite.  I looked out my window and noticed my new neighbor.

 There is nothing like waking up to a bull moose eating 20’ from your doorway.  Luckily Chica was fast asleep and didn’t make a sound (except for her snoring).

 This guy then moved to the campsite directly across from me and continued eating his morning breakfast.

 

 He finally looked up but was not interested in me whatsoever.  Breakfast seemed like a better idea.  I had gone out my door to get a better picture,  but stayed right at the door in case he decided to make a move toward me.

 

Hiking to Phelps Lake

We made the drive to the Phelps Lake area and then started our hike to the lake.  Ally was our guide for the day.  On the way we passed a beautiful water fall.

Here is a pic of Linda and Ally crossing over on a bridge.

We finally made it to Phelps Lake.  What a gorgeous view.

Seven miles or three miles..

At this point we talked about hiking back to the Visitor’s Center, which was 1-½ miles for a total of a 3-mile hike.  Our other option was to hike around the lake.  The girls were willing to do it, but left it entirely up to me.  I couldn’t wuss out so I said lets go for it.

So off we trudged around the lake.  I was really glad we did this as the scenery was fabulous.

Here is a pic of Ally and Linda on the trail.  We each carried bear spray with us, as this is bear country.  Jane had loaned me hers until I can pick some up in town.  She had spotted a bear close to her yesterday, while hiking.

Here are more pics of the lake.

Spotted a huge Bull Moose

We passed a huge Bull Moose eating about 20’ from the trail.  I took pics but they did not turn out, as it was very dark.  Here is a stream we crossed.  The water is crystal clear.

The scenery around the lake is so cool!

We reached a hug rock where lots of kids were jumping off into the water.  I can imagine that the water was very cold.

The entire hike was 7 miles.  I have not hiked that far in some time.  I was a bit tired and had sore muscles but really enjoyed it.  I am looking forward to many more hikes like this while I am here.