Glacier National Park & Western Montana

We rose early in the morning to leave for Montana and I went outside to check once again on the coach's position in the trees.  During the night the trees had apparently moved closer to the coach (I read about something like this in Tolkien ... where is an Ent when you need one?).  Ok ... maybe it was just my imagination, but the perfect campsite overlooking the river suddenly looked ominous!  Once again, my friend and neighbor, Ray came to the rescue ... with him in the front and Lynda in the back ... I backed out of the spot avoiding the trees (even though they tried very hard to reach out and get me) and we were on our way (Thanks again, Ray!).

We arrived in Kalispell without incident.  Once again our campsite overlooks a really nice river.  Our views have been incredible during the entire journey ... (we are of course ever watchful for Old Man Willow ... and the River Daughter).  Kalispell only has a population of around 20K, but it has a big beautiful hospital (at our age we always check), a super Walmat (that is huge and clean with a terrific grocery), a Costco, Target, Best Buy, etc. etc.  It is a really nice little town that is the hub for a much larger rural area.  In addition, it has a very quaint downtown area with cafes, restaurants, and a barber shop (I mention the latter because both of us got a haircut there).

The big attraction in the area is Glacier National Park, a real gem in the NP system!  From the West entrance you start the journey up the Going to the Sun Road by passing by McDonald Lake and the Lake McDonald Valley.

As you move up the valley the scenery is breathtaking with towering mountain peaks, evergreen and deciduous trees, and flowing rivers.  There are many turnouts to enjoy the views and take pictures.  We stopped at many of them.

The Going to the Sun Road  is narrow and steep.  During the winter around 80 feet of snow covers the route, closing it ... so during the summer, necessary repairs are made on the road.  At some places the road is down to a single lane and the top speed on the road near the top is around 10 mph ... plenty of time to enjoy the view ... plenty of time for the bladder to fill ... The road was further slowed on our day to the top by this fellow:

The mountain goat is the symbol of the park, but is rarely seen ... especially right by the side of the road ... everyone had to stop and take a picture ... we were no exception! (Nice picture, Lynda!)


There is a visitor center at the top of Logan Pass (it was totally covered by snow last winter) and there was still plenty of snow.

The ground squirrels were busy storing up for winter and posing for pictures.

After crossing the continental divide it's down the eastern side of the Rockies.  The eastern side is considerably drier.  Nevertheless, St. Mary Lake and the St. Mary Valley is still a beautiful area with great scenery and terrific views (oh yeah, it's a lot warmer!).

The Blackfoot Indians and other Native Americans have a really nice display at the St. Mary visitor center.  On the way back we viewed the Blackfoot bison herd and a summer historical encampment.

The rest of the week was really nice too.  Ray and Vicci came to the park on Monday and we enjoyed a really nice visit (and a glass of wine) before leaving for Central Montana.

Don't work ... just do what you love ...  and get paid for it.