For the past month, I’ve felt like a child awaiting Christmas morning. I began planning our western adventure about eighteen months ago. My expectations have been building as I imagined entering Glacier National Park. We delayed a year while Skip received cancer treatment. Thankfully, he is well, so we revisited our trip plan and headed west in August.
Two blessings have enriched our Glacier visit immeasurably. First, our friends, Dan and Linda Wigart, have joined us here in Glacier. When we first entered into the RV life, they were our mentors, as they are seasoned campers. Sharing hikes, meals and fellowship with them has been so sweet. Secondly, Emily Erickson is one of the Rangers here at Glacier. Her parents, Scott and Jennifer, are friends of ours. Emily is unbelievably knowledgeable and vivacious. Her coaching and advice have helped us plan our days here.
On our first day, we enjoyed hiking the Trail of Cedars and part of the Avalanche Lake trail. In the evening, we boarded the Lake McDonald cruise for an hour as the sun was slowing sinking towards the horizon. We could see the fire scars on the west side of the lake from 1929, and while sad to see, fire is vital to the health and regrowth of the forests in this park.
Day two began with the Red Bus Tour along Going to the Sun Road. The views and our guide “Jammer Margaret” were spectacular! I splurged on this treat so Skip and I could share the experience. He didn’t have to focus on driving this rather frightening stretch of highway, so we could rejoice in the beauty of creation together. Some smokey skies from Idaho fires dampened the colors a bit, nonetheless, we hope these pictures reflect the majesty of Glacier!
Throughout our stay, we hiked several trails, each with its own character. Mountains, forests and streams created a magnificent sensory experience… the scent of pine trees, the rushing roar of McDonald creek, and the splendor of the blue skies framing majestic mountains. Sharing hikes with our friends added such delight! We saw deer, but no bears or moose. Alas. Probably safer that way.
Our next post will be written from the east side of GNP. Hope you’ll come along for the ride!
So fun. Not surprised you’re enjoying it all!
Anne, you are such a good writer and descriptive of what you see. I’m so happy that you and Skip are able to experience this together and that you splurged on the bus tour. We were in glacier many many years ago on the motorcycle and it was quite an experience for us. Looking forward to the next installment of your trip.
Thoroughly enjoying your episodes, as always. So beautiful. I am a mountain person, too. Glad you rode the red bus for those reasons. Safe travels and continue to enjoy yourselves thoroughly!
I aspire to hike in the Canadian mountains as you have, Eloise!
I love these posts. I feel so included, as an always welcomed member of this incredible team. Thank you for the beautiful prose and photos.
Sheryl – so glad you are enjoying our posts and are part of our team 🙂
You are a great writer! I it was so great getting to see and hug you again my friend!
Loved hugging you my dear friend! Perhaps we’ll hug each other again in Idaho in 2025!
Such a cute photo of the four of you!!
I sure smile when I think of how DW at your home introduced me to Linda. Thank you for being such a beautiful faith-leader, Becky!