Glacier

Dear Briggz,

            We finally arrived at Glacier National Park after a short stop south of Missoula Montana at the Beavertail Campground. We ended up with a great site right next to a small river. One of the things to note was that we were also staying right next to one of several wildfire base camps in the area. Over the last couple week’s crews had been deployed to the surrounding area to fight the wildfires, some consuming thousands of acres of forestland and endangering peoples homes.

One of the afternoons we ventured into Missoula to meet up with Nora, one of our old advisees. We had lunch in the park with her and she showed us a small snapshot of the town of Missoula.

Back to Glacier, I must say that throughout this trip we have had the opportunity to see some amazing sights.  

 None so far have amazed me as much as seeing the mountain peaks of Glacier National Park. We had several days of hiking and among those hikes I would say that the family favorite would be the hike to Hidden Lake. The trail begins with a moderate climb up a boardwalk set of stairs, yes I said stairs, the park rangers must have been thinking of us. The hike continues for another half mile or so after the boardwalk ended. Along the way we saw a good-sized Marmot. Honestly Briggz, this thing looked just like your Eddie chew toy. The Marmot had become way to accustomed to people because it just came right up to us as if it were asking for a photo op. 

Is that Eddy???

When we arrive at the Hidden Lake overlook we were all put at peace with the beauty. The lake is still in a glacial transition is surrounded by several mountain peaks, Bear cap being one of the foremost influential to the sustainability of the lake and wildlife that call it home.We would have loved to continue our hike down to the lake itself, but it would have proved too difficult for 5 y/o legs. On the return trip from the overlook we were able to spot a mountain goat grazing on one of the mountainsides, and two big horn sheep that seemed to be making their way towards the lake. 

We took a side trail to a spot where we were able to touch the snow that remains on the mountain year round. Another one of our favorite hikes was to St. Mary’s Falls and onto Virginia Falls.

the boys at Virginia Falls

We awoke every morning to the views of Singleshot Mountain. Almost like clockwork each morning, we were able to spot a bald eagle scouting the lake looking for a fresh catch from above. We took a ride down the Going-to-the Sun Road, which offered us another view from the interior of the awesome park. The view of Bird Lady Falls as we wound through and in between valleys was amazing. 

We returned each day exhausted from the hike physical demands but with much more appreciation and gratitude for what we were able to accomplish.

During our time there we were able to reflect on the nature around us and I would like to say that we have developed a better appreciation for our natural surroundings. We live and work in such beautiful lands and it is through trips like this that open our eyes not only to how these landscapes were formed, but also to how the choices we make in our everyday lives, affect the future of these lands.