On my way to the trailhead today, I stumbled upon a nice family of four that were resting just a few feet off of the dirt road. I must have been the first person to have driven by in a while, and they sprung to their feet as I approached. I was driving slowly, so I quickly stopped and reversed away from them since I was so close. I turned off the car and they all calmed down a bit – and thankfully they didn't run away! (at least not yet)

I pretty much always have my camera in the ready, and I quietly got out of my car to snap some pics and try to establish that I wasn't a threat. Mom and the twins didn't care one bit about me, but the bull wasn't so sure at first. He was a young male, and it always surprises me when I see groups of moose like this. They're definitely more social than conventional wisdom seems to suggest. They grazed for a few minutes and then two bald eagles soared overhead.

All was well with the group for a few minutes, but then a big propane truck drove by and the loud engine/road noise scared them off. Fun little encounter before the hike even began.