Four Legs Meet Two Legs

On the trail, clouds, rock dreams, memories of forest fires. 

On the return from Hidden Falls two moose cross our path. Our group stands stock still. 

Bernie says to me: "This is the quietest I have ever heard a group of children be!"

Their antlers flash in the sunlight, and the brown fur looks glossy to the touch. Branches dip as the moose have a late lunch.  

A half mile up the trail a male elk is also feasting on autumn greens. With a groan he emerges from a thicket of saplings just yards below our footpath. His dignity puts a hush again over our group and he takes his time lying down to bask in the warm rays of an October sun.