When Nature Attacks: Part Two

There's an old camp song that goes something like this:

Wait, wait....this is a repeat after me song. Ready?

There was a moose,

He liked to drink a lot of juice,
There was a moose,
He liked to drink a lot of juice,
Singin' way-oh, way-oh,
Way-oh, way-oh, way-oh, way-oh,
Way-oh, way-oh,
Way-oh, way-oh, way-oh, way-oh,
His name was Fred,
He liked to drink his juice in bed,
His name was Fred,
He liked to drink his juice in bed,
He drank his juice with care,
But he spilled it in his hair,
He drank his juice with care,
But he spilled it in his hair,

Now there's a moose on the loose all covered in juice!

Now, doesn't that just make moose sound like they're SO silly and barrels of fun?! The reality is, moose are not to be trifled with. They are massive and can be quite aggressive, particularly a cow protecting her calf. I don't know anyone who wouldn't be intimidated by the rack of a bull moose. Heck, as the saying goes, even a bear will run from a moose. Just because they eat veggies, doesn't mean they won't chase you, people!

So, a few tips to avoid the moose...
   Cows will be most aggressive in Spring and Summer. One word. Babies.
   Never get between a cow and its calf
   Bull moose are most aggressive in the fall. One word. Chicks.
   Bulls may actually perceive you as a competitor. Funny, but true.
   Moose do not like dogs. They look like Coyotes. Coyotes attack/harass moose. If you have a dog, make sure he's leased and under control.

Where do moose hang out?
    In the U.S. - Montana, Maine, Michigan, Colorado, Wyoming, Alaska, Minnesota etc.
    Moose eat a lot of aquatic plant life so they'll hang out around water sources.
    Cool climates
    Marshes and riverbeds
    Old, mature forests with spruce, aspen and willow thickets
   
If you see a moose...
   BACK OFF! Give it plenty of space.
   Move slow. Stay calm

Signs of aggression...
    Flat ears
    Charging and then veering at the last moment
    Stomping
    Shaking its head back and forth

Attack!!
    You might be able to make a run for it and be okay. A moose doesn't view you as food and is most likely just trying to scare you off.
    If running isn't an option (I always think of this in my snowshoes), keep in mind that moose aren't very agile. If you're being charged, duck out of the way behind a tree or large rock. Try to keep the object between you and the moose.
    If you can climb a tree, do it. Just make sure you get up high enough.
    Moose are great swimmers so don't think the water will protect you.

Then what?
    Once a moose has left the area, slowly leave the area. Stay aware as moose will often return to the same spots..
    If the moose succeed in attacking you (and let's hope NOT), curl up in the fetal position and pray. Do not try to fight it. It could weigh up to 1500 lbs. Try to protect your head, neck and back as best you can. The moose will stomp and kick at you.

Respect the moose and stay aware. Deaths are rare but do occur.

From Anne

Last October, as the RCs were arriving at our Weekend Getaway in Winter Park, I mentioned that my co-leader, Anne, had jsut been diagnosed with leukemia and would not be able to join us for our adventures. Over the course of the weekend, the chicks asked me questions about her and in the end, decided to take up a collection to help her cover the cost of medical expenses. It was truly amazing to watch you rally around another women you had never met.

Currently, Anne is in Denver, undergoing treatment for the leukemia. Trying to keep infection at bay. Being from Minnesota, she's come to rely on many kindnesses from strangers, like the chicks, and more recent friends. She was finally able to jot down her thoughts about the help you gave her and asked that I share this.
She's got a long road ahead of her and I thank you for helping her along that path. Keep her in your hearts over the coming months as she battles a disease so many of us have had to face with our friends, family and loved ones. I figured this was the easiest way to make sure you all got the message. Withough further adieu...

Dear Real Chicks,



This is to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous donations towards my medical bills this fall. I was SO touched when Jessie told me that you had spontaneously offered to donate to whatever needs I was having. It was so thoughtful, and a huge blessing! THANK YOU! Your generous contributions came at such a helpful time...I had not been working much, and was very grateful for your help with my bills and living expenses.


As some of you may have heard, it appeared that a miracle occurred while I was in the hospital...the original diagnosis was acute leukemia, then within days some test results came in that contradicted that. So I was tested for many viruses; all those were negative, as well. So I became a "mystery patient" which is actually a good place to be. :)


Unfortunately the original diagnosis was reinstated in January, so I am now going through the process of natural treatments and doing my best to stay well and at home.


I am so grateful for the generosity of people like you, strangers even, who have reached out to help me on this journey! Please forgive the belatedness of this message. Thank you again for such a touching and generous gift!


With hugs and gratitude,
Anne Vattendahl

For My Somewhat Visually Impaired Sisters

It happened in 5th grade. I found out I needed glasses. My first pair was hot pink and encircled half of my entire head. At the time, I thought myself cooler for having them. I was convinced that they were responsible for the friends I was making at a new school that year. I must have been delusional. I've been wearing my googlies ever since.

Those of us who were born with less than perfect vision know the struggle. Keeping them clean and in good repair is hard. Keeping up on exams is harder. Contact lenses seemed like a good idea for a while but my eyes are sensitive and my eyes would become bloodshot when I attempted to wear them (meaning I only suffer in them through special occasions). My glasses have been through a lot over the years...and I've had to deal with them through moves, finance crunches, weddings, fogging up during cold snaps (can I get an AMEN?!) and outdoor adventures.

  It's finally time to turn them in. As of next Thursday, I will be glasses free for the first time in 18 years!! (fingers crossed that there are no last-minute hold ups) That's right, I'm taking the Lasik leap. While I'm slightly terrified of having any sort of laser mess with one of my five senses, I am equally excited to be able to spend time outside without having to clean contacts with dirty hands. I won't have to worry about my prescription being expired and the nearest (in network) optometrist an hour away. I can fend off a bear in the middle of the night without first having to remember where I put my specs in the tent. It's one less little bottle of solution to try to fly with. I can buy any pair of sunglasses I want! In the words of Willaim Wallace, who fought for only a slightly more noble cause, FREEEEDOOOOMM!!!