Things didn't go all as planned, and it was an eventful two days of hiking.
- The initial boat trip didn't go as planned (okay, we didn't get a fine or arrested - that is good),
- The mileage we hiked the first day was much more than planned - the most I have ever hiked in one day,
- Some people during the hike didn't think they would make it,
- I wondered if those people actually would make it, or if I would have to go for help,
- Almost gotten eaten alive by mosquitoes,
- I saw on the trail a good sized black bear fairly close - much closer than I have ever been to a bear in the wild - and close enough that it would have seriously freaked out a few friends I know who are nervous around bears,
- had really weird weather where clouds appeared almost out of nowhere and formed so fast and moved so fast that it looked like a time lapse video,
- had winds that blew water from a very tall waterfall up higher than the top of the waterfall,
- had the temperature drop from the 70s to the mid to upper 30s or low 40s in a matter of minutes,
- was dressed for hot weather and not cold weather,
- was so cold from the temperature drop I barely had strength to open a cellophane wrapper to get food,
- walk like an old man now,
- can barely stay awake right now.
4 comments:
Happy birthday! I read you all the time,and enjoy your stories,thank you for your blog.I get vicarious pleasure out of your adventures,and look forward to your new posts.We are coming to your neck of the woods this fall,and your blog is inspiring,to say the least.
ps...Lyle Lovett LyricsLyle Lovett LyricsLyle Lovett Lyrics
Bears LyricsSong: BearsBears Lyrics
Album Step Inside This HouseAlbum: "Step Inside This House" by Lyle LovettAlbum Step Inside This House
Some folks say there ain't no bears in Arkansas
Some folks never seen a bear at all
Some folks say that bears go around eating babies raw
Some folks got a bear across the hall
Some folks say that bears go around smelling bad
Others say that a bear is honey sweet
Some folks say this bear's the best I ever had
Some folks got a bear beneath their feet
Some folks drive the bears out of the wilderness
Some to see a bear would pay a fee
Me I just bear up to bewildered best
And some folks even see the bear in me
So meet a bear and take him out to lunch with you
And even though your friends may stop and stare
Just remember that's a bear there in the bunch with you
And they just don't come no better than a bear
Ruby,
Thanks for the birthday wish,and the Lyle Lovett lyrics. Love the lyrics.
If you do make it out to this area this Fall, drop me a line. Maybe I can give advice on stuff to see, or even a short tour of my small place. Though my "kids" will be gone by Fall.
Hello again!
I am completely overwhelmed trying to plan this trip.I have wanted to come for 10 years,and it is finally going to happen.8 full days looks like alot on paper,but my heart breaks at what a short time that is.(It's actually more than we can afford,I need to be grateful we are coming at all!!!)
I think you could fit the state of Connecticut in GNP!I was sad to learn canoe rentals at Apgar close labor day,right before we come.
We aren't in the best of shape,so our hikes will have to be short.Thank god for you and your hiking group,I love every story! I did go to Katadin in Maine a few years ago.It was fantastic.
We plan to do more sedentary things,like ride the train,the red bus,and drive down to Moiese and visit the bison.Unfortunately,my husband had a heart attack March 20th,a very mild one,but we are aware of our physical limitations.
I read somewhere not to miss sunset at Logan pass,and not to get too close to any bears,but beyond that I'm kinda winging it,getting lost in a sea of websites,books and pamphlets.Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have found blogs to be tremendously helpful,and it seems you all are a friendly bunch.
Have a great day,and I hope you catch alot of gophers.
ps Have you seen "Varmints" or "This is Nowhere"? They are documentaries.Interesting stuff.
Ruby,
Our county, Flathead, is literally larger than one of the New England states. Rhode Island I believe.
September is a good time to visit the Park. Not all trees are pine trees, and we do get a color change. The Tamarack (Western Larch) turn a beautiful yellow and in the Fall one is always surprised at how many are hidden among the pines. Though, now, I seem to remember they turn more in October.
At least after Labor Day the Park is not so crowded. The Fall is my favorite time to visit the Park.
Watch the weather forecast as we tend to get a rainy period from a few days to a week in September, and can get some snow on the mountain peaks. The rest of the month is usually very nice. This year is much drier than normal so I don't know how that will affect September's weather.
Short hikes:
- Hidden Lake from Logan Pass. Not a difficult hike as a boardwalk with steps is on part of the trail. The elevation (6600+ ft) usually is what slows some people down. Usually one can see a mountain goat on this trail. 1.5 mile one way
- Highline trail. You can hike as long as you want. I believe the trail is 8 miles long, but in less than a mile you get the flavor of the hike. This trail is above the Going-to-the-Sun road. Great views.
- Trail of the Cedars. Boardwalk. Easy. I believe less than a mile roundtrip.
- Avalanche Lake. The waterfalls may not be as nice in the Fall, but still a nice hike and view. 2 miles one way.
- St Mary and Virginia Falls. I mentioned this hike on my blog this year.
Be sure to include time to visit Many Glacier and Two Medicine Valleys on the east side. Very nice views.
I have not taken the Two Medicine boat, but my favorite boat rides are the St Mary and also the Waterton boat rides. After having ridden on the St Mary boat, the Lake McDonald boat ride seemed a little dull.
Re: Bison Range. Beautiful views of the Mission Mountains from the range. I never been on the upper road as it is only open from May to October. Be aware that the Range employees and some agencies of the US government are objecting to other parts of the government turning over parts of the range management to the local Indians, whose reservation surrounds the range. There has been controversy about a non-government entity being involved in the management of a national monument. The anti-Indian faction tried to remove the Indians this Spring but were overruled. Then the agency suddenly announced the transfer of many bison to other states and government areas. I don't know how many bison are left at the range.
Lastly, I never have seen the documentaries you mentioned. I'll keep an eye out for them.
Post a Comment