What's The Most Awesome Thing You've Seen

den's wife · 12-14-2011, 09:07 AM

My husband and I have done a lot of canoeing over the years. We're not into "wild ride the rapids" stuff. Instead we like to meander along the shoreline and just look around and enjoy the ride. One highlight for us has been seeing bald eagles. We had a good look at their nest and there were two of them just sitting on the branch of a tree gazing back at us. We were able to get close enough for a good look before they flew off. The other was coming pretty close to a black bear on the shore. We came around a bend in a narrow river and there he was. Needless to say, we started paddling fast to put some space between him and our canoe.

CatsEye · 12-14-2011, 09:12 AM

I've always been fascinated by wild horses. I have seen a lot of things while trekking but the sight of these magnificent creatures running like the wind and throwing up their heads was something I'll never forget.

ppine · 12-14-2011, 12:35 PM

The Northern Lights from the Arctic Circle, 2 bull moose with their antlers locked, a wolverine, mountain lion and bobcats, wolves, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, large pods of Orcas from a boat, ice caves at Mt. Rainier, Lake Louis, Alberta, Machhu Pichu, the Sistine Chapel, the David, the Roman Coliseum, 200 elk in one herd on the Continental Divide, wild horses running along side, 60 antelope crossing in front of my truck. A black bear with cubs trying to sniff me while asleep, a stunned hummingbird in the palm of my hand. Eight grizzly bears in one day. The Grand Canyon in the moonlight from the water's edge. A six pound trout. A laser bouncing off the clouds at Burning Man. Twent-six bald eagles in one tree. The Grateful Dead anywhere.

Pathfinder1 · 12-14-2011, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by den's wife

One highlight for us has been seeing bald eagles. We had a good look at their nest and there were two of them just sitting on the branch of a tree gazing back at us. We were able to get close enough for a good look before they flew off. The other was coming pretty close to a black bear on the shore. We came around a bend in a narrow river and there he was. Needless to say, we started paddling fast to put some space between him and our canoe.

Hi...

You certainly saw some interesting sights...!!

Eagles are fairly common in this area. There are actually eagle watching areas throughout parts of this County.

I still would have to say eagles, too. Not around here, but in Haines, AK. At certain times of the year, they actually have HUNDREDS of them gathering at one time to feast on the salmon...!!

Another would have to be the northern lights in AK. They are amazing. A virtual curtain of color dancing its way across the night sky.

Then, there are otter. I do love to watch them in their natural habitat. I also saw one in "unnatural" habitat...at a boat museum in MD. It was so people oriented..or lonely...that wherever you were within its sight, it would do its best to get as close to you as possible. This was in a glass enclosure, with lots of water, and also land for it to live.

I was told that there were once two otters there, but there was only one left when I was there. Both a delightful and a sad experience.

Pathfinder1 · 12-14-2011, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatsEye

I've always been fascinated by wild horses. I have seen a lot of things while trekking but the sight of these magnificent creatures running like the wind and throwing up their heads was something I'll never forget.

Hi...

What a nice experience. I wish I could have seen them.

I haven't seen wild horses, but I have been amid the Chinkateague (not sure of the spelling) wild ponys on the mid-atlantic coast. Although they are "wild", they are quite acclimated to humans. People are discouraged from interacting with them, though, as they ARE wild, and could do you great harm if they were so inclined. Anyway, they were kinda fun.

Pathfinder1 · 12-14-2011, 01:31 PM

[QUOTE=ppine;50587] A black bear with cubs trying to sniff me while asleep.

Hi...

Now, there's an exciting experience. I'd like to know what your reaction was...!!

ppine · 12-14-2011, 01:52 PM

Pathfiner1,

I was in a campground in Alberta at the time, in a tiny A-frame tent. The flap was open, with mosquito netting between me and the sow. I heard grunting, and woke up on my back looking back to see the bear. I whistled at her and she left quietly. I went back to sleep as first light comes early in the north. I woke up a second time, and there was one big black nose and two little noses. I whitsled again and they left. But I got out of the tent after that. It was an experience that I will never forget.

jason · 12-14-2011, 04:51 PM

While paddling. I would have to say watching a dolphin chase all my fish away. It got within 15 feet of me, if not less. Other then being close to one in captivity, it was the one closest to me ever. It was neat to watch him feed too. Just a little sad I did not catch anything after that.

**CozInCowtown** · 12-14-2011, 05:30 PM

My wife and kids!

After that, probably being part of the USS Kitty Hawk crew. That is the largest machine I have ever seen.......and it moves!!
DC

Lorax · 12-14-2011, 06:05 PM

It's hard to pick just one or even the top five. There's been so many of those moments and I feel truly blessed.
That's the beautiful thing, I get to go back out and watch until I see some more. Just when I think I've been amazed like I never will be again, there's always another incredible moment. Might be a year or two in between for those truly incredible moments, but it will happen.
It's why I try to get out as much as I can.