The Legend of Tok’s Blue Moose

Tok, Alaska is one of the most unique road connected communities in all the world. Not only is the name of the tiny frontier hamlet unusual, so are some of the stories you’ll hear there.
Perhaps it is the remote character, perhaps it is the endless hours of darkness during the winter, or maybe just the colorful characters that have chosen to live and die in such a unusual place. So here now, as best can be described by mere words upon the page, is the legend of the blue moose of Tok.
The existence of the Blue Moose, (or the equally rare snow-sha-boo), will not be trumpeted to the world. We in Tok have seen what has happened to Roswell, New Mexico and Loch Ness, Scotland. Aberrations in nature around Tok, are not to be fodder for the wanna be scientists, and sensation for tabloid sales.
Do not expect, as an outsider, to find a soul in Tok who will admit they have seen or even heard of the Blue Moose or the Snow-sha-boo. Consider yourself overwhelmingly fortunate if you can find a hint on the face of a local that suggests they know of such wondrous creatures. But stranger, trust me, not only do they exist, but you may with a stroke of uncanny luck, have the rare opportunity to glimpse one of Tok’s secret critters.
Why a moose of blue you might be tempted to ask? For that answer you must imagine, Tok in the dead of winter; darkness 19 hours a day, the mercury in the thermometer a blob at minus 70 below zero. You’ve just finished a sip of Tok tonic at the local watering hole and with your car frozen beyond starting; you strike off down a local trail through the deep wood to your cabin. Every step of your bunny boots brings a harsh crunch in the snow. Through the tiny hole in your wolf ruff parka hood, your breath turns to ice as it meets the artic air. Suddenly you hear a crash in the brush to your right. A creature lunges onto the trail. Through the ice fog of your deeper breaths your eyes strain to identify the leviathan now blocking your way. The swirling clouds overhead offer a passing hole, the moonlight floods the trail, and your mind refuses to accept what your eyes so clearly see.
Standing there bathed in the shimmering moonlight is a moose of brightest blue. Not the blue of a bird or the sky, but the blue of a creature evolved to survive in the harshest of arctic climes. Slowly you back away looking for a spot to turn on the narrow trail. One more look, one more need to look, and then you’re off as fast as your stumbling feet will carry you. Back to the din and the glare of the smoky station. Back for several more Tok, tonics. Back to summon the courage to explain the look of wonderment upon your face. Finally it comes. With all the watching patrons eyes upon you, the bar keep hurls the question? You saw it pard, didn’t you?
Such is the tale of Sourdough raconteur, and Tok historian, Burly Brian. And if you should chance meet the same sourdough while in Tok and ask him of his incredible encounter, you will likely get the famous response he gave that very night to inquiring neighbors. “Would you believe me if I told ya?” And one more thing pilgrim, be prepared and take a seat if you if you dare to answer yes!