“Why is it called Moose Meadow? We never see a moose in Moose Meadow!” whines a pouty PlaidCamper every time we head to and from Louise along the Bow Valley Parkway. That PlaidCamper, always asking silly questions. Just because he never sees a moose…
I saw a moose in Moose Meadow! I believe it may be the moose of Moose Meadow. Last Sunday, a little before noon, a splendid sunny day, crisp and clear, and there he was! A safe distance from the road, right in the middle of the meadow, chewing contentedly, and far enough away that we weren’t bothering him by stopping and watching for a few minutes. It made our day.
I snapped a few grainy shots, and these are the clearest – the most moose-like of the bunch.
It really is quite obvious why this place is called Moose Meadow – who would question that? It’s a beautiful patch. In fact, if you ever get the chance to travel along the Bow Valley Parkway, take it. Running parallel to the Trans-Canada, it is the slower and quieter (off season) way to connect Banff and Lake Louise. You might even see a moose!
A very brief post this week – I mostly wanted to share this little highlight from last weekend. Before finishing, and as we’re on an animal magic trip, I’ll go back to last week. The picture of the wolf or coyote that ended the previous post prompted a couple of questions, so here’s the story…
We were heading down a quiet run at Louise, our first turns of the day. I dropped left into a steep slope and stopped as fast as I could, digging in my heel edge and using my backside as a brake (pretty effective anchor there), because a large coyote (wolf?) was trotting across the slope, right to left. As I sat down, and Mrs PlaidCamper joined me, the wolf (coyote?) halted and stared up at us. Hmm. Now what?
Fortunately, he decided we weren’t very interesting, and turned away and headed towards the wooded fringe of the run. Quite sensibly, Mrs PlaidCamper proceeded down the hill, and I started to follow but couldn’t resist peeking into the trees as I passed the spot the coyote had disappeared. He was still there! Not very sensibly, I drifted past and below as slowly as possible, toe edge in, reaching for my phone and taking the indistinct pictures you see here. Not at all the right thing to do, but Snowboard PlaidCamper isn’t the smartest fellow…
Animal magic – you never can tell what you might see or when, and the surprises are always a delight!
Thanks for reading, and, as ever, please feel free to comment or share a story, and keep your guy ropes secure.
OldPlaidCamper 
Really nice moose pics there, Plaid, a bull moose (and that’s no bull) among the beautiful pre-winter scenes. And thanks for another look at the probable coyote among the other wolfish possibilities. If I’m wrong and we’re looking at a small wolf among the otherwise coyote-like characteristics, well, that’s par for my course, and I just want to say it all looks and sounds great from beyond the guy ropes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Walt, glad you found it interesting amongst all the bull! I think you’re right about more likely coyote than wolf, and that’s what we thought originally…it was a different and unexpected encounter, and one to remember.
Hope you’re enjoying a pleasant break and extended weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another fantastic post. Glad you finally saw a Moose in Moose Meadow. Perhaps when they named this Meadow way back when, there were more Moose in this area. Seems that we do not see the abundance of animals in the wild, that we saw a few decades ago. As for Wolf or Coyote, I would say Coyote (have seen many of them), but often one is fooled by the coloration of an animal’s coat. Needless to say, I prefer your photos over all this holiday, Black Friday nonsense that other humans are involved in right now. Prefer nature with its peace and quiet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment! We’ve spoken to a number of people who’ve traveled the same road and never seen a moose in Moose Meadow…you’re quite right about the dwindling populations in some areas, so we were happy to see this one.
I hope you’re enjoying your long weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This long weekend in Arkansas is full of nothing but rain, but it is either dry here or overly wet.
LikeLike
You never know what you get to see when you’re out in the mountains! It is hard to tell if it’s a wold, or a coyote. I read an article a couple weeks ago that coyote/wolf hybrids, are getting more and more common. Anyways, great pictures as always. Thank you for sharing! We got some snow the other day too 🙂
LikeLike
The mountains are a source of constant surprises! I think the overall consensus is that the animal we saw is likely a coyote. Another time to spot a wolf!
I hope you’re enjoying your long weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed! it was probably a coyote. I love hearing them sing. They sing for us almost every night. my weekend starts today, I’ve been working. I look forward to a great time! Enjoy yours!
LikeLike
Nice shots ! I really like the moose pic!!
LikeLike
Thanks for reading and commenting, always appreciated! We really enjoyed seeing the moose, it was a pleasant surprise.
Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello PlaidCamper – thank you for the post and the photos. My favourite – One More Time. I also love the photo of The Bow Valley Parkway. This is the route we usually take on our way to Banff or Lake Louise. This is a most enjoyable drive – very peaceful and very beautiful – the peace and beauty sets the mood for the day! We are usually lucky to see some animals on our way.
Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
You are very welcome! I always enjoy your visits and comments!
You’re right, it is a lovely route, and there’s always some wildlife along the way.
Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
I like how coyote’s coats get so thick and puffy in the winter. And that is a magnificent moose.
LikeLike
He was magnificent – and a thrill to see him! I hope you’ve had a pleasant weekend!
LikeLike
I love moose +and wolves/coyotes). Of course, I thoroughly enjoy your post as well. Glad you had a quite the little experience to see a moose in Moose Meadow. Enjoy your day.
LikeLike
Beautiful pictures! Everything together with snow, looks just perfect!
LikeLike
Winter (with snow!) is my favourite season! Thank you for taking the time to stop by OldPlaidCamper, it is appreciated. Have a good day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a nice day, too! 🙂
LikeLike
Fantastic story, sharing the experience of the Rockies to us on the east coast. that moose shot, is also something else. The meadow, the trees and snow, all hauntingly beautiful. I will be heading to Louise in 5 weeks! Can’t wait! Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
It felt like a real treat, seeing the elusive moose in Moose Meadow! I don’t know how you’re getting to Louise, travel wise, but if you’ve got your own wheels, and can spare the extra travel time, the Bow Valley Parkway is worth taking – nearly always see something special if you are early, and its scenic all the way!
Enjoy the rest of your week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really enjoyed your post – looks like an amazing place and how very special seeing the elusive moose. Wonderful photos.
LikeLike
Thank you! It might be a while before we see the elusive moose again…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, at least you’ve captured him on film.
LikeLike
I am in awe of the beauty in your photographs and the rugged country you live in. Actually, I’m a bit jealous. So I’m hooked and following along. Hope you enjoy some of my exploring.
Thank you for following my photography blog: http://throughharoldslens.com. I hope you enjoy your journey.
To launch your travels, find a Country or find a Genre, “click” and jump aboard. Or, here’s a few “Quick Links” to some of my favorites, from over 300 posts, on Through Harold’s Lens:
“Shaken! Not Stirred”(Sweden)
http://throughharoldslens.com/2013/09/13/shaken-not-stirred-european-tour/
“Maiden Mild” (Poland) http://throughharoldslens.com/2013/06/12/maiden-mild-european-tour/
“Where Spirits Soar” (Chile)
http://throughharoldslens.com/2014/01/25/where-spirits-flow-musicians-of-our-world/
On behalf of the entire Creative Team at Through Harold’s Lens, my trusty sidekicks, Mr. Mirrorless Sony, Mr. SLR Nikon, his brother Mr. Pen Pal and myself, we wish you fun and safe travels.
Best,
Harold
https://www.facebook.com/haroldmetcalfgreensr
LikeLike
Thank you for finding the time to stop by and look around – I appreciate it, and your kind words. Looking forward to following the links to some of your favourites…
I hope you’ve had an enjoyable weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person