7-26-13

{A little early morning visit from a moose}

Ricky and Trent got up super-early to take the older kids on a hike. They are hoping to catch a glimpse of the ever-elusive moose. There are several moose that wander these woods, but they are so sneaky that it's rather rare to actually see one. The missionaries, our camp hosts, told us last night that the best time to see one is early in the morning on one of the hiking trails. Annie and I stayed behind with the younger ones who didn't want to go on the hike. We were laying in our cabin waking up when Annie heard some rustling in the trees. We looked out the window and lo and behold, there was a moose there to wish us good morning. :) The top picture was taken from our cabin through the screen on the window.

The hikers had a very successful morning, too. They discovered a Mama Moose and two of her babies...

She stayed and let Trent photograph her and the others look for a few minutes before she took off into the woods with her little ones following behind her...

Here is Trent showing everyone his moose pictures on the trail back to camp...

This morning we were so excited to participate in the favorite camp activity: the challenge course and the zip line. The zip line is especially fun because to get to it, you have to climb this really fun rope ladder and traverse across to the platform on this bridge made of boards. It's scary but exciting when you accomplish the challenge. Everyone had a chance to do it and the missionaries even let the kids do it twice! Here is Gavin on the bridge...

The kids waiting...

The missionary helps Gavin with his harness...

Brant...

Hayden...

Lance...

Gavin again...

Payton...

Taylor...

Riley...

Trent...

After we checked out of Heber Valley, the moms and the kids headed home and Ricky and Trent continued up past Strawberry Reservoir to camp for the night. They are staking out a spot for the elk hunt they will go on in a few months...