This is the busy season at the park. A park ranger suggested we start the Going-to-the-Sun Road trip early. We were up at 6:15am and entered the park at 7:00am. It was 50 degrees, the sun was bright and the views were glorious. Fortunately we travelled east to west.
These pictures were taken from the east entrance to Avalanche Creek and Trail of the Cedars. It started to rain at that point and the photo shoots ended.
These pictures were taken from the east entrance to Avalanche Creek and Trail of the Cedars. It started to rain at that point and the photo shoots ended.
St. Mary Lake as we entered the drive.
One of the few sections of straight road.
Two Dog Flats
Goose Island
Glacier covered peaks ahead.
Logan Pass hiking trail to Granite Park
Logan Pass overlooking glacier fields
Carol enjoys the warm sun
Continental Divide
Going-to-the-Sun Road going west
View of a hanging valley
Double click to learn about hanging valleys
There's no swimming in Avalanche CreekWe had a late breakfast at The West Glacier Restaurant. We both ordered hot cakes and a side without knowing the cakes were HUGE. Service was a bit slow, but the breakfast was outstanding. We later learned that a single cook (Linda) was preparing meals for a packed house. We suspect tent campers had come for a hot meal and a dry table.
We had a “skirmish” with a guard rail on US-2 between Marias Pass and East Glacier Park. The passenger side of the TrailBlazer got scraped from front to rear bumper. There was no mechanical damage and no one was hurt. Thankfully, we weren't towing the trailer.
We ended the day with catching up on laundry, blog updates ... and an exceptional meal at Johnson's of St. Mary Cafe. We ordered the day's special: barbeque chicken, salad, baked potato, vegetable beef barley soup and homemade bread served family style. The couple next to us ordered chocolate cake. It was 6" high and consisted of four layers of different kinds of chocolate cake, brownie and icing. A single piece could easily serve three people. We were smitten and ordered a piece too.
We move to the St. Mary Campground in the national park tomorrow. We have no services there. It's unlikely we can update the blog until we get to Calgary on Tuesday.
Oops!
Did you notice day 11 and day 12 are listed out of order? Be sure to read them in order by title description. Otherwise, some comments won't make sense. My mistake.
Map Tracks
Start: St. Mary, Montana
West on Going-to-the-Sun Road to West Glacier, Montana
East on US-2 to East Glacier Park, Montana
North on Montana 49 to US-89
North on US-89 to St. Mary, Montana
End: ??? miles @ St. Mary, Montana
Start: St. Mary, Montana
West on Going-to-the-Sun Road to West Glacier, Montana
East on US-2 to East Glacier Park, Montana
North on Montana 49 to US-89
North on US-89 to St. Mary, Montana
End: ??? miles @ St. Mary, Montana
Oh my goodness! These photos are gorgeous - and not just cause of the lovely mom in them. :) Looks like you're having an amazing time. Thanks for keeping us up to date.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened in the skirmish? Wind? Windy road? Passing car? Anyway, glad you all are well and safe and that nothing more happened. Now, you just look like real travelers of the road!
Kids and I fly home on Friday. Get in late. We'll try to connect on Saturday or over the weekend sometime. Saw you called, Mom. Hope it was just to chat. Cell doesn't work out here, so I can see who called but can't get messages.
Love you lots and lots.
Elizabeth
I have to second Elizabeth's comments. Those mountains are gorgeous! Do tell about the "skirmish". I notice all the references to food, particularly the 4 layer, 6 inch chocolate cake. Man, my mouth is drooling!!!!!
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