It sure pays off to be on the trail in the early morning. The warm rays of sunlight stream through the branches. Long shadows are cast across the trail. The forest is quiet and calm and the ideal place to be after spending a few noisy days at work.

I got to my favorite spot on the trail where the spruce trees tower overhead. I caught sight of two moose but they caught sight of me as well and ran off into the trees.

As I approached where I saw them exit the trail and enter the forest, I could hear them crashing through the underbrush. I knew they were headed to the same place that I was and knew more or less where they were going to come back on the trail.

I was right. The female was on the trail already and I could hear the male making his way up the steep bank. It pays to be patient as I caught him on video as he came out of the trees.
What amazing animals. They paid no attention to me. I couldn't pass them so spent about forty five minutes observing as they made their way slowly down the trail; nibbling here and munching there.

It was the best outing in a long while. In addition to finding the moose, I found the swans! I thought they were gone for the season but they had moved to another pond. All four young ones survived and are almost big enough to start their journey south.

Starting my day on the trail was a great way to get motivated to get my deck stained. I need one more sunny day and the job will be done and I can spend more than a couple of hours in the woods. Can't wait.