Wow! Wapiti

If you live in the land of big game, prepare to be unimpressed.

If you live in the land of whitetails, coyotes and raccoons like me … stay tuned.

I’ve never seen a live elk. They don’t grow around these parts.

That’s why we drove to Elk County, Pa. And we found elk … in the most unlikely places.

Take this big guy for example.

We were driving down the highway and happened to glance over and see him trotting into someone’s back yard. He was intent on reaching a lone apple tree and didn’t seem to mind the traffic, the barking dog or the two guys standing in the garage watching in awe.

We watched in awe, too.

And then we headed on down the road toward Benezette, the heart of elk country. Winslow Hill rises high above the town and it’s prime elk viewing area … so they say. And I’m sure they’re right, sometimes.

The view was stunning. The country lush and appealing.

There wasn’t an elk in sight.

We meandered into the visitors center, had a chat with the ranger and told him about the elk we had seen. And we saw quite a few, just not on Winslow Hill. Instead, the elk were lazing around in yards, munching on flowers and devouring apples from every tree in sight.

Vandals … ruffians … hoodlums … !

What can I say … we were thrilled to see the elk.

And we had a great time looking for them. There’s nothing like driving down forgotten dirt roads through forest and field without a map. The kids got a little grumpy after a few hours, but thanks to frequent elk sightings, we all survived.

And when they couldn’t take it any longer, we stopped for a picnic.

Chocolate chip cookies make everybody smile.