Bear and Moaning Moose at Sawyer Pond!

The Fat Man and I have been “doing the ponds” here in New Hampshire.  Today we were able to do a lovely 3-mile hike at Sawyer Pond because the Sawyer River Road was open off of Route 302 just west of Bartlett.

You drive on this bumpy access road for quite some time until you get to a gate.  There is a parking area where we deposited Horace the Honda.  As I was getting my pack ready, I noticed a black animal crossing the path ahead.  At first I thought it might be a big dog, but then I realized it was a black bear. 

Unfortunately, I could not get to my camera fast enough.  He scurried off into the woods and we never saw him again.  But he was a pretty good sized bear.  If a bear ever starts to come toward you, make a loud noise or wave your walking sticks above your head to make you seem big.  I have a whistle hanging from my backpack.  It pays to be safe in the wilderness.

Sawyer Pond Trail

Unlike many other trails that were hit by Hurricane Irene, the Sawyer Pond Trail had both its two bridges intact.  At the start of the trail there are a lot of exposed roots (due to erosion), but then it becomes flat.  The incline is very gradual, which is always a bonus in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Sawyer Pond bridge

We hiked our way up to a lean-too, which had a lovely wooden bench that was a comfortable spot to have lunch.  

Sawyer Pond Lean-to

The Fat Man was walking down by the water when he suddenly motioned for me to come down.  I heard a very loud groaning noise and the splashing of water.  On the other side of the pond was a very large male moose (a bull)!

Moose!

This was my first moose sighting and it was very exciting.  It is close to the rut, which explained the loud groaning.  Later in the day, we also saw the female moose (the cow).  She was definitely playing hard to get.  I was hoping to get a picture of the two together, but they were too far away.  

Encountering moose is a bit more complicated than dealing with black bears.  This article by Matt Heid offers some good advice.

The sun was shining brightly and Sawyer Pond was beautiful and serene.  This place is truly a New Hampshire gem.  We met a few other hikers so it must be a popular spot. 

Sawyer Pond

We also saw a toad, so we nicknamed it Dr. Doolittle Pond.  If you go there at dusk, you will probably see more moose because there is a marsh area right behind the pond.

Heidi’s rating: ★★★★ Lovely hike with great views

The Fat Man’s rating: 4 packages of Famous Amos’ cookies