Page 37 of Under the Northern Lights
“I didn’t think you’d be able to,” Gage said from behind her.
“I suppose a lot of the pictures I’ve taken this trip aren’t assignment-related. I just think Alaska is amazing.” Aurora zoomed in on her subjects. “Look at their flat tails.”
“Do you know they use them to warn their families about danger nearby?”
“I didn’t.”
“They slap the water with their tails, which sends a signal to the other beavers to hide when wolves, bears, or even coyotes, to name their most feared predators, are nearby. That urgent slapping sound sends a warning to the others to swim under the water and hide in their lodges. Their tail serves other purposes, too, like helping them to balance and swim.”
She lifted a brow. “You are like a walking Alaskan wilds encyclopedia.”
He grinned. “Hey, when you grow up on a fairly remote island in Alaska, you know these things. Not to mention, we need to be knowledgeable to keep our guests safe. For instance, we are watching those beavers from across the water. Some people might try and get an up-close look at them. But beavers can be territorial and have been known to attack by biting and scratching. They also pose a high risk for rabies.”
“I’ll keep my distance then,” Aurora replied, looking up at Gage. “And I won’t be hugging any moose either.”
“I’d say that’s a pretty good plan. More people are injured in Alaska by moose than bears each year.”
She lowered her camera. “They’re more dangerous than bears? I wouldn’t have thought that.”
“Actually, bears are more dangerous, but they tend to avoid people. Moose, however, can be found in larger numbers, closer to more populated areas. They can be very aggressive and will charge anything they consider a threat when it’s mating season, which runs from September through October.”
“Have you ever come close to being charged by a moose?” she asked, her interest now turned fully to Gage. She found his wealth of knowledge about wildlife so mentally attractive. But then, she was a big nature lover. But it wasn’t just his mind she found herself drawn to. It was his kind eyes, that make-your-knees-weak smile and, to her shock, because her ex-fiancé had been clean-shaven, Gage’s lightly bearded jaw.
“Nope. But I know to keep my distance,” he told her. “A lot of tourists don’t. You’ve seen those video uploads of people stepping right up to bison or elk at places like Yellowstone and suffering the consequences.” He glanced in the direction of the beavers. “You all done here?”
“Is it time to head back already?”
“There’s so much more here I could show you, but you have a flight to catch. Let’s head back and grab a sandwich before we go, because a granola bar isn’t enough to sustain you after a morning of hiking about and exploring.”
“I am getting a little hungry, but we missed lunch.”
He smiled. “You’re in luck. I happen to have special access to the fridge and have been known to whip up a mean BLT in times of hunger. Or, if you prefer, I could make you a plain turkey sandwich, additional fixings optional.”
“A BLT sounds delicious.”
“Good. And you can say your goodbyes to Mom and Julia before we fly out.” He inclined his head. “Let’s head out.”
They walked back to the UTV and took a shortcut back to the lodge. As they pulled up, Julia stepped out onto the porch to greet them with a wave.
“How was your ride?” she asked with a warm smile.
“Incredible,” Aurora answered. “We went to a river and saw an eagle swoop in for a fish right in front of us. And then we went to a place where beavers have built a lodge. I took a bunchof pictures and can’t wait to load them onto my laptop and go through them all.”
“Why don’t you go in and warm up by the fire and visit with Julia. I’ll head to the kitchen to make us something to eat before flying back to Juneau. I just need to know: mayo or no mayo?”
“Definitely mayo,” Aurora replied.
“BLT with mayo coming right up,” he called back over his broad shoulder as he walked toward the entrance to the lodge’s kitchen.
“Maybe you can give me a sneak peek of some of the pictures you took on your outing with Gage while you wait.”
His sister looked so hopeful. How could Aurora refuse? Besides, it was nice to spend time with someone who shared her love of photography. Aurora smiled as she pulled out her camera. “Maybe you can give me your opinion. Tell me which ones you like best.”
“I’d love to.”
They crossed the room to the sofa and settled down in front of the warming fire. Aurora turned on the viewing screen and handed her camera over to Julia. “Here you go. It’s starting at the end of our ride. When you get to the photos of the docks at sunrise, that will be all of today’s photos.”
Gage’s sister held the camera securely between both hands as she clicked through the pictures. “These are so good,” she said in genuine awe. “I can’t believe this close-up shot of the beaver swimming with its tail sticking straight up out of the water. The detail and clarity are amazing.”
