The crash and splash jolted me awake, my mind racing. Was it a grizzly? Was I in danger? Slowly, I raised my head, scanning the surroundings on each side of the jeep. Nothing. I slipped on my shoes, opened the door, and quickly closed it, taking a breath. Imagining a flurry of activity with teeth gnashing, the terror of pulling back a bloody stump consumed me.
Then, with a surge of resolve, I opened the door and put a single foot onto the ground. Gathering what little fortitude I had, I grasped my camera and exited the vehicle. Relief flooded over me as I spotted a moose peacefully foraging in the pond.
