We left Logan Pass – having been there two separate days and never finding a parking spot – I do not enjoy thinking what the crowd would be like during peak season. I’ve seen pics of bumper-to-bumper on the Going to the Sun Road and I quickly thank the Lord I am not in the middle of just such a crowd.
We headed east and stopped along as many pullouts and overlooks we could.
One such pull out was the Jackson Glacier Overlook. This is marked as the best view of a glacier from the GTTS Road. Being late summer, the glacier seemed minimalist, but that may be the norm. I went into the woods, a small hike from the overlook. Even a little into the woods was a joy to experience the diversity of creation.
The closer we got to St. Mary lake, the more small trails that were to be seen. I even went a bit into the trails near Point of the Sun trail.
It was also during this part of the GTTS Road that we saw bear number 2 … this time, a grizzly. He was a bit shy, hiding in the local high grass and fauna.
One cool sight was a small water fall (?) coming from the high ridge along the road. This water fall was not anything to write homie about, but it was a particular time of day that created a rainbow in the middle of the water fall. (The pic doesn’t do it justice.)
Also, this was the time I got to go a bit rogue. With my wife remaining car side, I went into the bush and hiked out to a land outing into the lake. Lots of thorns, heavy brush, and no trail. This wasn’t as thrilling as mountain side exploring, but it was nice to get off trail, even for a little bit.
The east side of Glacier NP was still showing evidence of a not so distant forest fire. Burned trunks, charred fallen tree, cleared landscaping.
A few miles from the end of the GTTS Road, we parked in a little pull off on a fire road that had a broken down chain that was to prevent passageway of cars. I wasn’t going to drive up it, but we just wanted to hike to the higher point to get a better bird’s eye view of the lake. It was a beautiful view, but even more interesting, my beloved went further then I did and discovered an intriguing sight – a burned out cabin. It was small, had two blackened cots on both sides of a charred steel vintage oven/heater. The cabin was burned to the ground with a 10 foot chimney rising above the ashes.
Fires destroy. But scars are left. Yet, over the years, the wildlife and vegetation will take over the ruins. Every civilization will crumble. But, my mind goes to Isaiah 40:8.
We continued to St. Mary Village. Here we got to see a nephew – Trevor. Trevor, quite the explorer, has spent two summers working in GNP area, Next year, he is planning to work in Canada, after the winter in Japan. Oh to be young and free of responsibilities.
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We left the park, just to return to a restricted area – Many Glacier area and the Many Glacier Lodge. Our day, and our trip was winding down, but there is still more to come. You will just have to wait on that – and my teaser – Ginger Beer and I ordered a salad! Yes, a salad.
Muddy Shoes by Todd 
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