Spotted, Moose in Maine

Like I said, I definitely know where I get my “go, go go” mentality and attitude from now- my dad! After our failed fishing attempt and delicious lunch, my dad has another excursion lined up- a moose safari! This was booked through Northwoods Outfitters and was one of the best things we did all weekend! The safari was described as follows on their website:

Your personal moose safari will be led by an experienced and knowledgeable registered Maine Guide from the Staff of Northwoods Outfitters, Maine’s premier outdoor outfitter. Our guides have a passion for the Maine wilderness and are well rounded naturalists. In addition to seeing and learning about Moose and other wildlife, you will also learn some of the interesting history that makes the Moosehead Lake region truly unique.

After meeting at the outfitters, we piled into a van with one other couple and our guide. After 45 minutes we arrived at our destination, the far end of Moose Head Lake.

It was absolutely gorgeous and the water was pristine. We were happy to see that the clouds seemed to be blowing away so that we’d be left with a perfect dusk.

We took the normal precautions and suited up in rain gear and life vests in case the elements didn’t act in our favor.

       I was so excited at this point that I was almost beside myself. I was singing “here moosy moosy moosy” and smiling with glee. I was about the check off one of the items on my bucket list- see a live moose!

Each couple piled into these

       with the handsome men steering the canoes from the stern and the   women paddling in the bow.

After about 20 minutes we stopped at our first destination where we learned about the local lake vegetation from our tour guide, Joe. He was standing on an island of floating vegetation! The coolest flower he showed us resembled a pitcher plant.

       After our botany lesson, we had a brief aviary lesson where we learned about loons.

       

At this point, I started to get a bit antsy. We’d already been on the water for an hour and still no moose sighting. Joe mentioned that there was the possibility that a previous canoe group had scared them off due to noise levels. Excuse me? That would not be the case for this group as this was one of our main goals and adventures for the trip! Luckily we were all aligned that we were willing to stay out on the lake past our time and pay extra in hopes of seeing more animals and scenery. I love small groups who all think alike! 

Unfortunately, a few minutes later we encountered some animals we hadn’t expected or desired- MAINE BLACK FLIES. These devils were evil! The swarmed around like the gnats I left far behind in Savannah. We all started to look like this

       and my neck started to resemble a topography map of Mars.   Now more than ever I was determined to find a moose. I wasn’t suffering out here to learn about the local plants.  

That’s when we saw it. Like a game of Where’s Waldo a new brown dot emerged from the woods. Unfortunately, it only stayed for a minute or so before it darted into the woods.

Our guide had the great idea to try paddling over to the other side where the moose headed when he went into the woods. Suddenly this was a game of hide and seek with three canoes!

As we turned around the island we not only found sun but we also found these cuties hiding out! We could tell that these were two female moose, also known as cows. The one on the right was older, probably around 10-12 years old based on the spotting and lighter coloration.

      Hey good looking what ya got cooking?       Really? I’m thirsty. Can’t you just let an old lady drink in peace?   Okay, if you won’t move then I will, hmmph!              How do you like this view?         

Great success! We sat silently in our canoes watching them for at least 10 minutes. They are so ugly they’re cute, they make noises similar to a horse, and actually move quite majestically.

Forget the horrid bug bites I’ve been fighting since Saturday or the bottle of Extra Strength Benadry that we’re half through. It was worth it! We had a blast and were finally able to see that the moose is not the next Lochness Monster. They do in fact exist- at least in Maine. The jury is still out as to whether Vermont’s road signs are false advertising. 😉