Little Elk Creek Trail

Little Elk Creek Trail was a first for all of us a week or so ago.  It was a nice hike with some elevation gain up to a mountain pond where we were surprised by a couple locals when we arrived up top.  Below Bek and Steve wait in the shade at the Little Elk Creek Trail Head.

Off we went; Chad in the lead, followed by Rebekah (Bek), Steve, and followed up by Gari (photographer of this shot).

We observed more delicate Mountain Columbine flowers, beautiful they are.

Halfway up we were treated to a peek of a peak.... still with a little snow on top June 23rd.

Group shot in front of another peek... L-R: Steve, Dijon, Bek and Chad.

More of view, less of a peek.

Chad strikes the Happy Hiker Pose somewhere along the trail.

Arriving at the top where the mountain pond is located we were greeted with a nice surprise.  A cow Moose and her calf feeding in the pond.

This is the best view of Moose that we have encountered in our seven years of hiking.
Zooming in a bit....

We watched as they fed for 10 minutes or more.

Momma Moose with a mouthful.

Mom kept an eye on us...

Another hiker not in our group got too close and made baby nervous, and the little tyke signaled to mom that it was time to go from the edge of the pond.  Though mom wasn't quite finished snacking yet.

Finally mom moseyed over and was ready to depart.

 And off they  trotted back into the woods.