Dubunking the Moose Myth and other Alaskan Musings

That's right Virginia, moose do exist. They are not the mythical creatures that I've made them out to be (though that does totally ruin the song I wrote about the moose myth---a would have been hit record).

As I arrived in Anchorage this week, I had a few non-work goals....

1. See a moose.
2. Meet Sarah Palin.

I am happy to report back that 1 of those items was accomplished.

Sadly, it was not getting a selfie with Tina Fey's doppelganger.

However, I have been waiting years to see a moose. I kid you not. Now, if you remember from last year's trip, we technically saw a group of moose late at night when we were trying to chase the Northern Lights. (okay, we almost hit said group of moose with our tiny car).

However, it was so dark that I only count that sighting as half of a moose sighting.

Because in reality, I think I only heard the moose...and saw their tiny eyes.

I read up on tripadvisor that they place to see a moose in all of Anchorage was at Kincaid Park, which is near the airport. I guess the moose population is somewhat fenced in because of the airport borders, making it a place that has a high percentage of wildlife sightings.

After flying in and working for a few hours, I headed to the park for a quick hike/run...but ended up mostly sitting in my car due to the rain. The park itself is really nice. I would love to come back sometime and take a longer walk. I arrived in mid-afternoon and spent about an hour hanging out and trying to spot one of those big ole things.

Sadly, first attempt was not a success. I left sad and convinced that I would never be lucky enough to see a moose.

Hence, the beginning of the Moose Myth Rap.

I ended up heading back to the hotel, for a few more hours of work and to catch up on my lack of workouts.

By chance, I stopped into the gift shop to grab some water and got caught in a conversation with the chatty Cathy behind the counter.

Turns out, Chatty Cathy had some moose sighting tips. She said that I had been out there too early and that most moose only come out around dawn and dusk.

She suggested I try again.

I didn't believe her....but since the park was so close to the hotel, I figured why not.

After another hour and a half of driving around and two more written choruses in my Moose Myth Rap, I began to leave the park. My determination wearing down and now, more than ever convinced that theses animals are not real, I was shocked to see one of those big, brown animals just crossing the street. His antlers massive and filled with random leaves and branches.

I literally squealed in my car. And took photos. And videos.

I was so excited that I followed it (while still in the car) for a bit. And then when he scurried back into the woods, I turned my car around for one more loop.

So glad that I did...because there ended up being another moose down the way.

What?! Two Moose. In the span of 5 minutes.

Crazy cool. They are so massive and look like all muscle. I'm glad I've never run into one while walking around. I don't know what I'd do. I've heard they are pretty passive aggressive unless provoked, but still. In a battle between Moose vs. Walters, I'm pretty sure moose would win every time.

It was very neat finally seeing one though.

And that is the story of how I dispelled the Moose Myth. 

I also took a little bit of time to go to the Anchorage Museum. It had a fantastic exhibit on Alaskan Natives and some really great Oral Histories of local Native groups. I enjoyed it a lot.

We spent two days in Anchorage (mostly eating) and then headed to snowy Fairbanks. On the way, we had a great view of Denali.

Turns out Fairbanks had just been hit by a major, record breaking snow storm. Thankfully by the time we got there, it had cleared out. I don't think I've ever seen Fairbanks sans snow. That's totally okay though, I love the early winter.

And the much needed break from the CA heat.

God Bless you Alaska and your September Snow Storms.