So we had limited funds and were trying to make them stretch for the next few days so we decided to sleep in the back of the 4Runner . . . on a back road in rural Montana . . . yeah I didn't sleep very soundly due to the nightmares of grizzly bears eating us in the middle of the night. Well we did survive, and woke up bright and early as to get into the park before it "opens" as to mot be charged the entrance fee - success!!
The park opens at 8am and we cruised in at about 6:30am!! The trail head was a few miles up the road and when we got there we filled the Camelpack, brought our snacks and we were off. Ahead of us was a pretty tough (steep) 6.5 mile hike which normally takes about 4.5-5 hours . . . we hiked it in 2.5 hours!!! Don't ask me how, or really why we did it in that time, but we did and had a very pleasurable hike! There is something about the fresh mountain air, untouched wilderness and pristine lakes that is Glacier Park, the sad part is the actual glaciers that are disappearing at an alarming rate - but I won't get into the fact that Mr. Gore might be onto something . . .
Upon our arrival to Sperry Chalet where Becky, (Matt's sister) is working for the summer, were were greeted with smiles and lemonade. Becky was very excited to see us, as if you have been to Glacier you will agree that within it's beauty, lies a solitude that would make anyone a little lonely! As Matt and I were assessing the damage done to our feet from the strenuous hike, Becky innocently suggested we pack a lunch and hike to a lookout point . . . all Matt and I wanted to do was chill out, but of course agreed on a hike for lunch. On our way to the lookout, we came across a mountain goat and her babe - a reminder that we are in their neighborhood, not the reverse - we took some pictures (Becky has a Masters in Photojournalism - is that two words, hmmm . . . . ) and continued on.
Lunch was delicious - a turkey and Swiss sandwich made on fresh bread, carved turkey and a thick slice of cheese!! We got a chance to catch up with Becky who has been in Eugene, getting her masters. Becky has such a serene demeanor about her that I am envious of, however when I try to disguise my natural spunk - I just get more crazy!! ha . . . anyway . . .
After we finished eating and talking, it was back to the chalet. Becky gave us a tour of the quaint hotel and dining room and then we decided to begin our decent, but not without a quick foot bath in the glacier fed stream - so nice on the tired tooties!!!
The hike down was fine until we hit about mile 15 . . . then it got a little brutal on the toes and knees - nothing a little brewdog wouldn't take care of!! All in all we made the trip fun, in fact, I can't remember a trip we've taken that wasn't fun - but Montana has a special place engraved in our hearts as it was the first trip we took together, Matt grew up here and we spent our honeymoon here. We even contemplated becoming ski bums and living in Whitefish . . . then we bought the Subaru and realized we couldn't live the nomadic life we dreamed about - oh well!!
When we got home from our trip, Marley who had been staying with my folks, didn't recognize me right away!!! Yep, when I walked in their door he used his big boy bark until he heard my voice - so funny!!! I think he gets spoiled there, my dad teases that he gives Marley pork rinds while they watch Sports Center on ESPN!!!!! Too funny!!!
Upon our arrival to Sperry Chalet where Becky, (Matt's sister) is working for the summer, were were greeted with smiles and lemonade. Becky was very excited to see us, as if you have been to Glacier you will agree that within it's beauty, lies a solitude that would make anyone a little lonely! As Matt and I were assessing the damage done to our feet from the strenuous hike, Becky innocently suggested we pack a lunch and hike to a lookout point . . . all Matt and I wanted to do was chill out, but of course agreed on a hike for lunch. On our way to the lookout, we came across a mountain goat and her babe - a reminder that we are in their neighborhood, not the reverse - we took some pictures (Becky has a Masters in Photojournalism - is that two words, hmmm . . . . ) and continued on.
Lunch was delicious - a turkey and Swiss sandwich made on fresh bread, carved turkey and a thick slice of cheese!! We got a chance to catch up with Becky who has been in Eugene, getting her masters. Becky has such a serene demeanor about her that I am envious of, however when I try to disguise my natural spunk - I just get more crazy!! ha . . . anyway . . .
After we finished eating and talking, it was back to the chalet. Becky gave us a tour of the quaint hotel and dining room and then we decided to begin our decent, but not without a quick foot bath in the glacier fed stream - so nice on the tired tooties!!!
The hike down was fine until we hit about mile 15 . . . then it got a little brutal on the toes and knees - nothing a little brewdog wouldn't take care of!! All in all we made the trip fun, in fact, I can't remember a trip we've taken that wasn't fun - but Montana has a special place engraved in our hearts as it was the first trip we took together, Matt grew up here and we spent our honeymoon here. We even contemplated becoming ski bums and living in Whitefish . . . then we bought the Subaru and realized we couldn't live the nomadic life we dreamed about - oh well!!
When we got home from our trip, Marley who had been staying with my folks, didn't recognize me right away!!! Yep, when I walked in their door he used his big boy bark until he heard my voice - so funny!!! I think he gets spoiled there, my dad teases that he gives Marley pork rinds while they watch Sports Center on ESPN!!!!! Too funny!!!
As I sit here writing, Marley is trying to catch bees so I better go and get this little guy home before he catches one!! What a little stinker!!!
Happy trails and one more thing I get reminded of every time I visit Montana. . . slow down and just enjoy the moments . . . moments that you never want to end . . . live out loud ;)
1 comment:
WOW - what a cool vacation! Glacier is incredible... almost spiritual in its beauty.
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