Moose Dreams

For a stretch of 6 or 7 years, my parents rented a large house in L’Anse, Michigan. The house, which the owner built to resemble a Swiss Chalet, sat on a bay in Lake Superior. The bay was calm enough to swim and kayak in, yet still held a pretty chilly temperature. The kids didn’t care as they splashed around in and floated atop its crystal clear waters. 

It was a LONG drive north to the chalet, and there was always a moment when we crossed into the UP that felt otherworldly. The stores and gas stations were long gone. the deciduous trees were more infrequent. There was just empty roads flanked by evergreens. Usually we were driving in the dark by this point, and still, I would squint into the trees looking for a moose. 

I knew they were there, but rare. I thought that if I wished hard enough and stared intently, I would see a moose. Well, I never did see a moose – except for the shaggy, decaying one that was mounted in the loft, where the kids slept like sardines stacked in bunks. 

BUT, this drawing of a moose was made from a stunning photo by Sheila Newenham of an actual moose she encountered. 

Sheila is an Animal Vet and a Nature Photographer. She sent me several photos to choose from, and I couldn’t help myself with the moose, a favorite animal. Someday I will see one in the wild, but for now, I am content with this drawing!

Have you ever seen a moose? What’s an animal that you would love to see in the wild?