Welcome to Glacier National Park! Believe me, it is way up there and sits on the boarder of Montana and Canada. Actually the park is shared between the two countries. Check out this awesome room with a great view of the mountains and Lake McDonald. There are still no phones or TVs. I think the Park Rangers shoot you on the spot if you are caught watching TV when you have a view like this. The view was so fantastic that people would just sit outside their rooms and marvel while having a few beers. We sat out there for 3 hours chatting and viewing. Obviously I had to try the local brew, Moose Drool. Pretty good stuff, taste like chicken. Believe it or not but this sky photo was taken at 9:45pm. Wow! The next day was up for an 8:30am Ranger lead hike up to Avalanche Lake. It was 5 miles round trip and boy did he know his stuff. Just some amazing views on the way up to Avalanche Lake. After a couple of hours we reached Avalanche Lake just in time for an early lunch. Lakes caused by Glaciers are actually called Tarns. The tarn has mountains on 3 sides where a Glacier sat millions of years ago called a Cirque. As the Glacier moved and melted it carved out a U shaped valley plucking off boulders the size of houses as it went. As the Glacier melted it would leave these boulders in random places along the valley. It would actually shave off sections of mountain and polish stone as it moved. We also learned that the Glacier would grind the stone so fine it looked like powder. They call it Glacial Flour and its what reflects the light it water to make it look so turquoise. My little lunch buddy. Obviously people havent been following the rules and this guy was looking for an easy meal. He actually climbed up on my shoe and even rummaged through my back pack. No nubs to be afraid of on this little guy. I finished up the hike and made my way to yet another white water rafting adventure. The first one in Cody was so much fun I had to give it another go. These rapids were rated a little higher and the guides said the water level was outstanding. It was freezing glacial water, however, the wild ride made it worth it. Unfortunately I didnt know my room was going to be so fantastic and I booked another room for the next night at the other side of the park. I took the famous Go-to-the-sun road that makes its way along the continental divide. No campers or trailers allowed given how narrow the road was. It took 30 years to build and is under constant maintenance. Check out the weeping wall and water falls that actually fall on the road. What a fantastic drive. |
