I can't believe it is mid point for my seasonal job already! It has become hotter now and almost all the snow that could be seen on the nearby mountain tops has nearly melted. Water levels are down a lot in the rivers. You can see "islands" now that were covered when I arrived in May. However, one only needs to get to a hiking trail off the Going to the Sun Road in order to encounter it. Another indicator that it is mid point is the amount of traffic coming into Lake McDonald Lodge. It is busy! Day visitors must outnumber those staying on the property 5 to 1! The bonus there is that talented folks of all ages sit and play the piano in the lobby. Can you only imagine the memories being made for those who sit in a 100 year old lodge and peck our show tunes or classical music? I am so lucky to witness on a day to day basis!
As many of you might have done, I sought out fireworks on the 4th of July holiday. I worked until 7 and then set straight out to Whitefish Lake Beach. I always like fireworks over water and this would not disappoint. The folks in Montana take fireworks seriously and stands abounded before the big day. I set up my blanket and prepared to watch the display over the lake. As I waited and looked around, I found fireworks being set off in every direction. Once the spectacular official fireworks started at 10:30, those little displays stopped. Whitefish, Montana, you did not disappoint. It was awesome to sit on the beach watching the reflections and the last light over the mountains. It will be one I always remember!
Rangers offer a wide variety of programs and ranger led hikes throughout the park and at all hours. I decided to take a hike within walking distance of the lodge on a given Saturday. I found I would be the only guest that ranger had joining her on the hike! It was great as she would pace with me! We walked to Snyder Lake, a moderate hike once the initial elevation change would be done in the first few miles.
The trail would wind through dense forest reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest. Soon we would encounter the burn area left from the fire of 2017 that resulted in the destruction of Sperry Chalet and forcing Lake McDonald Lodge to close a month early. I learned there are four types of fires. The ranger pointed out how the foliage and trees might appear with each fire type. Once we reached the lake we took a lunch break and enjoyed the beauty of the area complete with water falls. We saw little in the way of wildlife, but plenty of birds along the 8.8 mile hike.
I was grateful the pit toilet survived - but, mystified!
I have discovered a small, yet lovely 3 mile hike a short drive away that seems fitting to do a few times a week just for the sake of exercise. The nice thing about the Rocky Point Hike is that it skirts Lake McDonald and the lake's look can change dramatically with the light. There is easy access to the beach and it 's fun to see the lodge from the other side of the lake.
I took and quick trip to Anaconda to stay two nights with friends from Vegas. It was so lovely to be away from the frenzy and enjoy some peace and quiet. Of course, the five hour drive was not all that relaxing, but the drive was certainly beautiful! We enjoyed a well represented art show in lovely weather. Here is Denise an her husband, Brian.
Beautiful Lake Georgetown was my escape for a weekend!
Izaak Walton is another historic lodge. This one was built for railroad workers. It was later turned into a spot for visitors. They even rent out the cabooses!
My boss, B-Rad (yes, he is) and I took a day and visited the East side, taking in a couple of short hikes and boat ride on St. Mary Lake.
To finish off the month, I did a lovely hike that took me to a spot where one of the original chalets stood until after WWII. Imagine, if you will, that you have boarded a train in the Midwest about 1920 and headed to the mountains of Montana. All around the train you will read the slogan, "See America First." Many folks spent their vacations traveling to Europe and with Glacier now becoming more "developed", it was hoped that travelers would set their sights on the "Switzerland of America". You have been greeted by a local with a horse for you to ride over the next 7 days. You travel by horse from chalet to chalet viewing what native Americans called "The Backbone of the Continent". The scene would be beckoning travelers for decades to come. For more information look up Historic Lodges and Chalets under Glacier at www.nps.gov.
Chalet visitors would have seen the above scene looking South and below looking North.
Look carefully for a footing from the original chalet.
I followed up the short hike with a trip to the Museum of the Plains Indians in Browning, MT. I watched a short film that was narrated by Vincent Price. It covered the migration of natives as well as animals and quite informative and poignant in spite of being somewhat dated. I was impressed to see two local artisans in a room demonstrating their trade. (www.doi.gov)
I saw Blackfoot Dancers and Singers at the Visitor Center and recommend all visitors attend! This piece above was beautifully worn by an award winning dancer. I was astounded to hear that she dances with this 63 pound regalia on her!
I am beginning to love the Going to the Sun Road and returned in the evening, stopping at Oberlin Bend Lookout where I saw this guy counting cars!
"The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast and you miss all you are traveling for."
