Trail Chaser: Belknap Moosecapades!

Or, “an unexpectedly epic hike…”

Photo by Hummingbird

Getting in another grid hike this morning when we had the chance, we hit the Gunstock-Belknap loop. This pair now puts me at 50% through the Grid!! 72/144 😁

Ice was thick in spots, particularly up on Gunstock, almost to the point that spikes seemed insufficient. But they held fine, and we had a safe hike. Temps were chilly, but we stayed plenty warm enough on most of the ascent. I did need to switch to mittens on the way down. My body (relatively) held up too, but it was still a workout. I definitely was feeling the burn, and needed lots of pauses on the ascent.

frozen trails

viewpoint on the side of Gunstock

Gunstock summit

As we approached Belknap, we kept our eyes peeled for the moose that has been spotted multiple times by fellow hikers. Sadly, no sightings on our way to the summit. I asked the group of people at the tower if they’d seen her, but they only saw fresh droppings (as had we). Disappointing, but the hike wasn’t over yet.

After climbing the new Belknap fire tower for our first time, Hummingbird and I, as well as the hiking trio we met, simultaneously headed down the white trail from the summit; us towards Carriage Road, and they towards Mt. Piper. We pushed out ahead of them, and soon were alone again. That is, until we approached a small field. Hummingbird suddenly stopped as we rounded the corner leading to the open area, and flapped her arms (wings? 😄) excitedly. There, standing on the side of the field in plain view, was the moose! She was huge and beautiful. We lingered at the edge where the trail opens and, as respectfully as possible, snapped some pictures. Obviously we couldn’t not! She sniffed in our direction a few times, but otherwise just hung out, picking at a bare sapling. When we heard the group approaching us from behind, Hummingbird went back to warn them of the moose’s presence. They slowed and took their turn at the trail edge getting some photos too, after which we all just stood around, not sure what to do.

The problem was, the white trail cuts right through the field, definitely too close for comfort to the moose. Hummingbird was tempted to backtrack and take an alternate route, however, the trio did not have that option if they were to continue to Piper. I suggested that if we move forward slowly as a group, perhaps it wouldn’t disturb Ms. Moose too much. Plus “safety in numbers!” One of the other hikers spotted some spike tracks skirting around the field through the trees; most likely avoiding the moose too! We figured that should give her a reasonable amount of space, so we proceeded together. We postholed a few times, but it was worth it to let the moose have her peaceful lunch. She kept munching away, so obviously wasn’t disturbed by us too much! 💜

It was definitely advantageous timing for us to meet up with this group of hikers, as I think if it was just the two of us, we might not have chanced even bushwhacking around like we did. Thankfully, everything was fine, and we were so excited to have seen the moose! Obviously that was the highlight of the hike.

But I’m still going to share some of the other photos I took too. 😉 I am wishing I had a better camera phone though.